A Morning Balance

A fresh loaf of bread sat on the kitchen counter, tied shut with a bright yellow plastic twist-tie. The wire inside had curled into an uneven knot, leaving the bag slightly loose. I climbed onto a low wooden cutting board to reach it properly. Grasping each plastic-coated end, I slowly smoothed the kinks out against the flat edge of the board. Once the strip lay straight and firm, I wrapped it around the gathered bag neck and gave it two steady, measured twists. It snapped securely into place. Everything stayed tight and ready for breakfast.