Closing the Ledger

The front lock turned with a solid, familiar click. I pushed the apartment door open and stepped into the quiet hallway, leaving the street noise behind. My hours at the archive were finished for the day. Setting my leather portfolio flat upon the console table, I squared its corners neatly against the dark wood grain. I unfastened the brooch from my lapel, placing the cool metal carefully inside the small brass tray next to my keys. Slipping out of my heels, I paused in the dim runner light to let the quiet take hold. Everything was in its proper place.