Night Reflection

The mirror captured the late lamplight in an immaculate vertical band. After aligning the tailor's ruler this afternoon, the dark parquet stretched out clean, ready for quiet stillness. Approaching the glass with a silent, sliding glide, I paused inches from my own reflection. Instead of testing another turn or adjusting an edge, I simply unbuttoned my suit jacket with two deliberate fingers, rested both hands loosely at my sides, and let the room settle into absolute quiet. Total composure.