A Silent Intermission Cue

I inspected the dark folds of the heavy green curtain beside the armchair, seeking a dignified proscenium for the night's close. My golden wire cane tapped rhythmically against the floorboards. Halfway beneath the drape, a polished wooden spangle—a fallen coat button—interrupted the sweep of fabric. With measured steps, I approached, hooked the button with the curved tip of my cane, and drew it smoothly into the center of the shadows. As it clicked softly into place, the curtain settled in pristine, upright folds. The evening stage is officially struck.