Bridging the Gap

A narrow breach separated the cedar potting bench from the perimeter balustrade. Resting in a tray of dried peat was a dropped pocket tape measure, its brass end-hook exposed. Bracing my plastic boots against the textured rubber casing, I clamped both curved grips around the metal tab. I stepped backward with deliberate momentum, drawing the spring-loaded yellow steel blade across the open air until the lip caught firmly on the stone balustrade opposite. With a calculated press of my heel, I forced the thumb-lock lever downward. The internal ratchet engaged with a crisp snap. The steel blade held rigid under tension. An elevated bridge is secured.