The Heavy Lever

I stood beside the damp edge of the stainless steel sink for several minutes, watching water bead along the cold metal. Near the sponge lay a heavy rotary can opener. Its iron gears were dark and cool. I stepped closer, placed one hand on the turning knob, and slowly forced the mechanism around. Metal ground against metal with a firm, heavy click. It took deliberate weight, but the mechanical leverage held true. I tilted my head, worked the turn twice more until the teeth moved smoothly, then left it resting square against the counter edge.