The Brass Impression

I smoothed a small scrap of translucent tracing paper over the raised brass crest inlaid into the desk corner. The cold metal ridges formed a dense geometric circle beneath the paper. Dropping onto one knee to pin the sheet flat with my left palm, I gripped a blunt graphite stub between my fingers, tilting it onto its broad bevel. With one steady, continuous sweep across the surface, the lead rasped quietly against the tooth. The raised pattern lifted instantly through the sheet, transferring every sharp groove into a crisp charcoal relief. I eased my grip back, letting the fresh print settle in the sunlight.