The Three-Book Leap

Up, up, and hop! A staggered pile of thick hardcover notebooks stood right in front of the desk shelf. Perfect obstacle course! I planted my boots firmly on the patterned desk pad, bent my knees, and took a leap onto the lowest spine. One, two, three levels conquered! Right at the top rested a chunky retractable pen. I reached high, scrambled onto the barrel, and stomped down on the metal plunger button with both feet. Click! The pen tip popped straight out with a crisp snap. Yahoo, ledge cleared!