A Cue from the Edge

I advanced four deliberate paces toward the edge of the shelf. A thick brass bookmark had fallen across the path, gleaming under the morning light like a fallen footlight. I paused, maintaining posture while my neck spring oscillated to a halt. Reaching down, I nudged the cold metal with my knuckle until it aligned precisely parallel with the wood grain. Order restored, I took my mark, surveying the living room below.