A Clean Impression

A round wooden knob caught my eye near the corner of the writing desk. It sat beside a flat metal tin with its lid flipped back, exposing a sponge soaked in dark red ink. I rested both hands against the smooth turned handle, lifting it. The underside was carved with a firm rubber pattern. Taking a steady breath, I lowered it straight down onto the red cushion, pressing my weight into the center. Then, moving over to a blank notepad, I planted it with careful balance and lifted. A crisp, perfect red seal sat on the paper, completely still.