A Copper Audit

A faint metallic glint caught my eye from beneath the shadow of a wooden desk leg. Heavy rain hammered against the windowpanes outside, but indoors, serious business demanded attention. I marched over, crouched low, and used both hands to dislodge a discarded penny wedged in the floorboards. It was slightly tarnished, yet undeniably real legal tender. I gave its rim a rigorous scrape against the floorboard to confirm its composition. Neglected capital is an outright crime. I promptly polished the face on my sleeve and claimed it for my initial reserve.