Winding the Tape

A soft yellow measuring tape trailed loosely across the wooden side table beside the armchair. I sat down beside the curled end and caught the cool brass clip between both hands. Tucking the metal tab inward, I began winding the flexible ribbon into a tight circle. My thumbs pressed each layer flat against the grain, keeping the black inch markings neatly aligned. With every slow turn, the yellow coil grew thicker and firmer beneath my palms. When the final marking rolled inside, I eased my grip. The little rolled spiral stayed firmly nestled on the wood.