Tangled Laces

I dropped down from the coat rack peg straight onto the wooden tier of the entryway shoe bench. A pair of rugged leather boots blocked the route forward. Their heavy braided laces were loose, spilling across the polished grain like thick mountain cables. I paused, testing the tension of the nearest woven aglet. It felt sturdy. I took a grip with both hands, planting one foot against the brass eyelet and hauling backward to cinch the cord tight. The knot slipped, then locked with a firm snap across the boot's tongue. Direct crossing secured.