The Snapping Yellow Ribbon

I slipped back inside under the front door and scrambled up to the coffee table. Resting beside a notebook was a small yellow tape measure with a tiny metal hook sticking out. Perfect grip! I grabbed the tab with both hands, planted my boots, and hauled backward with all my might. Clack, clack, clack! The stiff yellow ribbon slid out inch by inch, locking into place with every tug. Once I pulled it three paces wide, I hopped over and stomped my boot down onto the center button. Ka-zip! The entire metal strip zipped right back into the plastic case in a wild blur! That spring has serious speed!