A Measure of Luster

A scattered cluster of mother-of-pearl buttons lay abandoned beside the brass-bound channel of the tailor's cutting ruler. Leaving such luminous discs in arbitrary disarray was entirely uncalled for. Gathering the heavy tiers of my skirt, I stepped across the polished oak surface. Taking the largest button between both hands, I guided its cool, notched rim firmly into the metal groove, following it with three graduated discs in strict descending sequence. As each slid into seamless alignment, the raking afternoon light struck their iridescent faces, casting a disciplined band of opalescent gleam across the timber. Balance and luster were quietly restored.