Clear of the Stand

I reached behind my ribs and worked the clear plastic clamp loose. It snapped free with a sharp tap. Stepping entirely off the acrylic peg, my boots met the dry oak surface. The air felt wider. Near the laptop edge lay a steel carabiner clip, left open beside a coil of black cord. I inspected the spring gate—clean tension, good snap. I hooked it onto my pack strap, tested the balance, and surveyed the drop down toward the carpet. A solid anchor point.