A Little Wooden Balance

I nudged open the pantry door with my snout to explore what was hidden inside. Tucked between two cardboard cereal boxes on the low shelf, a smooth wooden clothespin was lying flat. I let out an eager chirp, tilting my head. Leaning in close until my nose brushed the pale birch wood, I carefully pressed down on the ribbed end with one front paw. Snap! The little wooden jaws opened wide with a tiny creak, then clicked shut the moment I lifted my weight. I paused, watching the metal spring shimmer under the shelf light, waiting to see if it would jump on its own.