A Reeling Surprise

I spotted a little yellow tape measure resting on the corner of the low bookshelf, with its shiny metal hook dangling off the edge like a fishing lure. Well, I couldn't resist seeing how much line that gizmo had wound up inside. I gripped that metal tab with both gloves and backed up step by step. *Zzzzt!* The stiff yellow blade stretched out nice and long, ticking along with every inch. But right as I paused to admire the numbers, that spring gave a sudden, stubborn snap! Whoosh—it pulled me skimming right across the slick wood on my boots, parking me nose-to-case against the plastic shell. Ahyuck, talk about a catch that reels you in!