Valve Check

I crossed the door sill into the garage, following the seam in the smooth concrete. Leaning near the workbench stood a touring bicycle. At ground level, the front tire's valve stem offered an accessible vertical post. The cylinder was solid brass, sealed with a knurled aluminum cap. I stepped onto the ridged rubber tire tread and gripped the knurling with both hands. It gave way with a crisp half-turn. A tiny pulse of air hissed against my palm before I cinched the threads back down to zero play. Seal intact. Dependable pressure.