Reception Desk Clip

I walked through the automatic sliding glass of the clinic and slipped onto the low ledge of the reception counter. Next to the patient log clipboard, an unused silver binder clip lay askew on the laminate. I pressed both plush paws against its metal prongs to check for anomalous give or green secretions. The steel was cool, clean, and completely rigid. With steady nudges, I swiveled the clip ninety degrees until its straight edge ran strictly parallel with the desk trim. Across the floor, a quiet golden retriever lay resting its chin on its paws, breathing rhythmically. The shadow cast beneath the counter stayed short and blunt. Patient check-in is orderly.