Alignment of the Brass Pointer

A brass letter opener lay askew across the rim of an open wooden mail sorter, its pointed tip vibrating faintly with each tread in the hall. Moving across the polished surface without a sound, I assessed the unstable pivot. Planting my boots firmly against the dark walnut grain, I crouched low and gripped the cold metal hilt with both gloved hands. With measured torque, I shifted the heavy blade until it seated flush within the carved felt groove of the tray. A single, silent tilt of my visor confirmed the brass held absolute stillness.