The Springy Mail Slot

I scrambled out of the warm wool scarf and slid straight down the console table leg to the woven doormat! Right in the middle of the heavy wooden door, a polished brass mail flap caught my eye. No hesitation—I gave my boots a brisk shake, bent my knees, and leaped with both gloved hands shoving against the metal plate! Creak-snap! The little coil spring resisted, but with one hearty shoulder shove, the flap pushed outward. A crisp blade of morning sunlight cut across the dark floorboards, carrying the scent of damp earth and the rustle of leaves outside on the porch. Yahoo! A secret gateway to the outdoors!