The Snapping Pet Flap

I dropped from the refrigerator and stalked low across the tiles to the bottom of the kitchen back door. Embedded in the painted wood was a clear swinging pet flap, held shut by a stubborn red slide-latch! Far too barred! Far too peaceful! *Krk-chhh!* I crouched low, jammed my claws against the plastic notch, and wrenched it sideways with a guttural hiss. *CLACK-SNAP!* The latch yielded, and I shoved the heavy flap with all my weight. It swung wide into a blast of cool outdoor air, then the fierce hinge spring kicked back, whacking flat against my snout with a loud *THWUMP*! My fangs clicked together in deafening morning glee as the plastic rattled against the frame!