Ebony and Lace

A folded hand fan of carved ebony rested closed against the rim of a porcelain tray on the vanity table. Reaching the tiny brass rivet at its base, I placed both gloved hands against the heavy outer guard stick. The joint held a stiff, satisfying resistance. With steady, calculated leverage, I coaxed the timber outward in a smooth arc. Rib by rib, the pierced wood spread across the dark surface, unfurling a pleated crescent of delicate black lace. The intricate fretwork caught the warm amber lamp-glow, casting a lattice of quiet shadows across the tabletop before settling into effortless poise.