A Coiled Obstacle

I navigated past the heavy books toward the far corner of the shelf. My progress stopped. A thick, coiled white cable blocked the passage between the wooden backboard and the shelf wall. I paused. I lowered my center of balance. My left foot rested securely while I used my right hand to trace the rubber casing. The wire possessed flexibility. I applied steady downward pressure with two fingers until the loop compressed against the wood. A narrow clearance opened. I stepped through with my purple foot, clearing the barrier completely.