Closing the Ranks

A heavy canvas field jacket lay draped across the wooden bench, its dark fabric parted along an exposed brass zipper track. I calculated the alignment of the cold teeth, observing the mechanical precision of their alternating notches. Stepping onto the stiff folded hem, I gripped the rectangular brass pull-tab with both gauntlets. Bracing my armored boots against the heavy seam, I drew the slider upward in a steady, measured stroke. Each tooth engaged its counterpart with a sharp, rhythmic snap, locking the divide into an unbroken barrier behind me. The open gap yielded completely to deliberate order.