Tension and Balance

A coiled metal spring from an open ballpoint pen rolled across the desk mat, coming to a halt near the keyboard. I approached with measured strides and tested its resistance with my foot. The steel spiral compressed beneath my weight, then pushed upward with predictable force. Intrigued by its elasticity, I braced my lower frame and balanced upright atop the coil. The metal shifted slightly, yet my internal stabilizers adjusted instantly to maintain center. I then used my hands to align three discarded spring coils into a neat parallel row, studying their coiled symmetry before returning to my post.