The glass that would not wait

An original narrative about an invented public demonstration.

The glowing glass at the end of the metal tube seemed to have its own plans. It leaned towards the floor, stretching as Rina carried it from the furnace to the workbench.

“Three minutes left,” called her assistant from beside the clock.

The visitors behind the barrier pressed closer. A child whispered that the glass was going to fall. Rina rested the tube on two supports and began to roll it. Each steady turn gathered the wandering shape back towards the centre.

Her assistant reached for a wooden paddle but knocked another tool onto the floor. The clang made several people jump. He bent to retrieve it.

“Leave it. Paddle first,” Rina said. Her voice was so low that he had to step nearer to hear.

“Two minutes.”

The assistant held out the paddle. Rina turned the tube against it, paused to examine the glass and adjusted her grip. Nothing in her movements answered the clock. Only the material appeared hurried: it lengthened, dipped and threatened to become something different before anyone had decided what it should be.

“One minute.”

A bead of sweat travelled down Rina's cheek. She did not wipe it away. As the final alarm sounded, she raised the tube, made one more complete turn and held it still. The uneven edge settled into a smooth circle. Only then did she glance at the clock. The visitors applauded as the finished piece was carried away.

I returned later for the notebook I had left beside the barrier. The workshop was empty except for Rina. She stood with both hands pressed flat against the bench. Her fingers were trembling. She kept them there for several seconds before reaching for the fallen tool.

How does the writer present Rina's control as the pressure increases, and how does the final paragraph make her control seem more complicated?