A Snappy Measure

I scrambled out of my linen berth and marched straight over to a mini steel tape measure resting on the edge of the key tray. Its tiny rubberized casing had a shiny brass thumb slide clamped down tight. I planted both boots on the varnished wood, hooked my gloved thumbs beneath the brass tab, and flicked upward with all my might! Click-whirrr! The yellow metal blade shot out an inch, vibrating with crisp spring tension like a tiny yellow diving board. I pressed my palm against the curved steel ribbon—stiff, marked with bold black ticks, and ready for work!