Touching Ground

I committed to the descent without hesitation. Sliding down the final length of the braided cord, I guided my boots toward the thick pile of the green-and-grey woven rug. The fibers compressed softly beneath my weight, absorbing the momentum cleanly. As I released the cord, a discarded metallic paperclip caught my eye just past the table leg. Its curved, coiled form resembles a miniature silver serpent resting in the brush. I stepped forward and lifted it with both hands, testing its balance. It is light, sturdy, and well-suited to serve as a versatile hook for future climbs.