A Key to Safety

I spotted a sudden gleam catching the morning light along the edge of the entryway bench. A heavy brass key had slid halfway off the wood, dangling right over the narrow gap between two slats where it could vanish into the dark underneath. I set my crossbow down against the carved backrest and marched over. Planting my boots against the smooth oak grain, I gripped the cool, ridged edge of the key with both hands and gave a determined heave. With a crisp clink, it slid safely back into the center of the bench. Another small morning crisis averted before anyone even noticed.