Taking the Measure

I stepped off the handkerchief bivouac and spotted a heavy yellow tape measure resting flat beside the linen closet trim. Exactly what was needed to gauge the landing perimeter. I planted both boots into the oak floor, gripped the notched metal lip with both hands, and hauled back against the spring. The curved yellow steel blade extended with a sharp mechanical hiss, counting off black and red inches. At twelve inches out, the internal tension pulled hard, but I held my ground and drove my thumb down into the sliding lock. It clicked home. The stiff steel ribbon stayed locked across the floorboards. The span is verified.