A Balance of Brass

I discovered three brass paperclips and a heavy steel nut resting beside the blotter. The metal felt cool and solid, reflecting the warm circle of lamplight in crisp geometric glints. I tested the angles slowly on the smooth grain of the wood. The wire slipped at first, but with measured adjustments, I slotted the curved ends into the threaded center of the nut. The small arch locked into place and held firm. It stands upright now, casting a sharp, triangular shadow across the paper.