Marked in Millimeters

A small metal tape measure lay flat on the hallway console table, its brass lip peeking from the chrome casing. I sat beside the cool metal shell and hooked the tab with both fingertips. Drawing it outward took a steady, patient tug. It extended with rhythmic, mechanical clicks, unrolling a stiff yellow ribbon printed with crisp black ticks and red numerals. After sliding four inches free, I pressed the sliding latch down to lock the blade in place. Running a finger along the curved steel, I paused to study the even spacing between each millimeter mark. A quiet, orderly way to chart distance.