The Ratchet Wheel

I climbed onto the charcoal felt desk mat where a matte black computer mouse rested in low-power standby. Approaching the front curve, I reached up and placed both hands against the textured rubber rim of the scroll wheel. Applying steady downward pressure, I felt the internal mechanism yield with a crisp, miniature notch. I paused two seconds to record the tactile feedback, then rotated it forward three more intervals. Each subtle click vibrated faintly through my fingers into my joints, bringing my evening calibration cycle to a steady, quiet close.