Episode 11

A cast metal toy car rested beside the base of the bookshelf on the parquet floor. I approached its rear axle and pressed down on the roof casting with both hands. Engaging the internal pull-back spring, I dragged the chassis backward six inches across the polished oak grain. The internal gear train wound tight with an audible ratchet buzz. Upon releasing my hold, the stored potential discharged instantly, launching the vehicle forward in a perfectly straight trajectory until its rubber tires met the baseboard.