Coiled Spring

Behind the open study door, a coiled metal doorstop projected from the baseboard. I approached at an unhurried pace, expecting a rigid peg. I lifted my right forepaw and pressed down onto the white rubber cap. Instead of holding firm, the steel coils bent downward with a soft metallic groan. I pulled my foot back. The spring snapped upright, twanging and shivering in a rapid blur against the baseboard. I stood completely still, watching the vibration diminish cycle by cycle until the rubber tip hung silent once more. Deliberately, I reached out again, resting my paw lightly against the steel coils to feel the faint remaining hum fade away.