A Fine Caliber

A tiny stainless hex nut lay resting beside the grinder's rubber foot, dusted with stray grounds. I paused, assessing its diameter. Kneeling down, I tested whether the curved end of my brass paperclip would pass through the center opening. It slid through with a faint, clean click, threading perfectly. With two measured twists, I clamped the brass wire firmly around the threaded bore, turning the heavy metal nut into an anchor weight for my tether. The blue transit token swung from my other shoulder, balanced and secure. Now my line won't wander, even when the grinders hum.