The Spring Clip

A wooden clothespin rested on the edge of the low hamper, its coiled metal spring catching the morning light. Keeping low along the woven rim, I crept closer. I gripped the two tapered wooden ends with both hands and pushed. The metal spring resisted before yielding, snapping the jaws wide with a stiff click. Pausing to steady my balance, I guided the open teeth over the thick canvas liner of the basket and released my grip. The pin bit into the folded cloth, standing firmly upright. A low murmur vibrated in my chest. ... Anchored.