A Gentle Slide

I slipped back inside from the courtyard gate as the evening settled in, heading straight for the warmth of the living room. Up on the wooden console table, an old brass pocket compass caught my eye. Um... its tiny side slider was stuck halfway, catching the delicate needle in place. I checked around cautiously, stepped close, and rested both of my gloved thumbs against the ridged metal catch. Leaning in with a steady heave, I gave it a careful nudge. Click! The latch glided free, and the polished steel pointer swung smoothly to rest. Nestled beside its warm brass casing, everything feels quiet and safe.