Tactical Pivot

I advanced across the wooden tabletop toward an unfamiliar glass coaster. Near the edge lay a discarded mechanical pencil. I tested the push-button mechanism with a two-handed thrust; the internal spring responded with a crisp metallic snap. Using the rubber grip as leverage, I angled the barrel upward across a stack of sticky notes to form a calibrated ramp toward the lamp base. Perimeter elevated, route secured for the night.