The Exploded View
A printed technical diagram caught my attention on the lowest tier of the magazine rack. I stopped, planting both wide feet firmly on the parquet floorboards before leaning down. Bracing my heavier grey left hand flat against the lower oak rung for leverage, I reached out with my right fingers to hold down the curled page. The paper was thick, printed with an exploded view of an internal spring gear. Fine black lines connected each detached gear tooth, shaft, and retaining clip in an orderly row. I traced the numbered diagram with the blunt tip of my thumb, letting the dry paper drag beneath my touch. Every part has a designated alignment.