Tea Cage

I scrambled out of the oven mitt and sprinted across the granite counter to check out the breakfast tray! Resting across a white saucer was a long stainless steel infuser tong with a perforated mesh sphere at the tip. I wanted to see what was locked inside that shiny metal cage! I planted my boots against the lower steel handle, grabbed the top lever with both hands, and threw all my weight into a deep squeeze. The stiff spring resisted, but with one solid push, the two halves popped wide open like a clam! A warm, roasted tea aroma puffed straight out. When I loosened my grip, SNAP—it clicked shut with a sharp ring. Best morning grip test ever!