A Steady Valve

Water gathered along the tiled floor, resting at boot height. A steady drip echoed from an overhead copper pipe. I waded through the shallow pool, footsteps muted by the dark water. Ahead, an iron bulkhead valve was seized by corrosion. I rested the tool canister on a submerged concrete ledge. My heavy gloved hand gripped the cold rim of the wheel. I braced my stance and applied steady, deliberate pressure. With a low screech of metal against rust, the wheel gave half a turn. The drip overhead slackened into silence. Water level holding. Pathway clear.