Spring Tension

A steel toolbox rested open under the low basement beam. Inside, a heavy coil spring lay detached beside an iron socket wrench. I did not nudge it aside. I planted both feet squarely into the ribbed metal tray. I gripped the thick wire loop with both hands. I engaged my hip joints and pulled upward with steady force. The coiled steel groaned. A sharp, resonant ping snapped through the air as the spring expanded two inches, then snapped against the inner metal rim. Tension held. The whole tray reverberated beneath my boots. A balanced anchor.