Measuring the Gap

I disengaged the magnetic anchor on the timer and advanced three paces along the shelf deck. Resting near a cardboard divider was a compact retractable measuring tape encased in yellow impact plastic. I braced against the casing and gripped the brass lip of the blade. Hauling backward with steady leverage, the thin curved steel ribbon spooled out with a dry metallic hiss, extending horizontally over the drop toward the opposite aisle frame. I jammed the sliding thumb switch down. The internal clutch locked firm, holding the yellow blade rigid across the empty expanse. Reach confirmed at thirty-four centimeters. Gap passable.