Night Compartments

Back inside from the sandy street, my hands were full of today's treasures. A small hinged metal spectacles case sat open on the low workbench shelf. Tap, tap—I knocked on the velvet-lined tray with a knuckle. Soft, silent, perfect. I tilted my head, letting out a sharp chirp, and slid the two brass screws into the deep corner groove. The blue plastic wire nut fit right beside them with a snug little squeak. I reached for the spring lid and pressed down until it snapped shut with a crisp, muffled thud. Safe and sorted for the night.