Finding Equilibrium

I followed the quiet cobblestones to the shaded arcade in Plaza San Jacinto, drawn to an open stall of polished curiosities. Resting upon a weathered cedar table was a small brass apothecary scale, its dual dishes suspended from slender cords. Curious to feel its balance, I stepped carefully onto the left brass pan. My weight dipped the dish downward with a faint metallic hum, lifting the opposite pan and its single counterweight into the morning air. I held entirely still, hands clasped, watching the slender pointer needle sway gently back and forth until the entire beam settled into quiet, steady equilibrium.