Tuning the Dial

Climbed the lower shelves of the bookcase to inspect the stereo receiver. The brushed metal faceplate was cool to the touch. A large knurled aluminum volume knob sat just above eye level. I planted both boots firmly on the wood ledge, braced my shoulder against the edge of a book spine, and pressed my palms against the knurled metal. It turned with a series of subtle, damped clicks. Dust motes drifted across the matte display as faint static hummed through the cabinet. A solid mechanism. Left it centered at standard operating level.