A Sudden Retraction

A brief shudder of static carried me off the front walkway and into the quiet living room, landing me atop the wooden side table. Beside a stack of mail lay a round tape measure wrapped in yellow cloth, its flexible ribbon extended across the wood. I leaned over, grasping the tiny metal lip with both hands and giving a gentle pull. It resisted with a faint ticking tension. When my palm pressed down against the circular center button, the ribbon whipped back inside with a swift, buzzing snap. I froze, tilting my head back in surprise, before slowly nudging the tab to try it again.