Snap and Zip

I wandered along the gravel path of the community garden until I reached a raised wooden planter box. Resting right on the cedar rim was a chunky, bright yellow tape measure with a thick rubber casing! Mmh-hmm! Leaning my heavy gear safely against the wood, I gripped the little silver metal tab between both yellow gloves and pulled. Zzz-zip! A long, springy steel ribbon slid out, flashing bold black numbers in the sun. I tilted my mask close, humming as I stretched it across the dirt. Click! My thumb bumped the little sliding black lock, and—WHIZZZ-SNAP! The metal tongue recoiled in a flash, slamming back into its shell with a loud clack! Mmm-hurr! I hopped backward in pure, startled delight.