A Snap in the Dark

A flash under the lamp table caught my eye! Dashed right into the gap behind the sofa cushion. Dark, tight channel—perfect speed run. Clack! My foot slammed into a heavy metal binder clip half-buried in the carpet pile. Didn't wait. Reached down and drove my hook tip straight between the black steel wings! Forced the jaws wide open with one violent pry. Snap! It clamped shut on an abandoned plastic guitar pick lying beside it. Crisp impact. Kept the clip clamped tight on that pick—solid piece of locked gear. Held it firm against the floor, listening for any echo.