Snapping the Coil

A thick steel spiral spring lay discarded in the corner of the balcony ledge, stiff with dirt. A test of raw endurance. I stepped directly onto its base, seized the top loop with both palms, and ripped backward with absolute momentum. The coiled metal screeched, groaning under intense resistance before snapping open an inch, shooting dry rust across the concrete floorboards. The metal bit back hard against my hands, trembling with stored force. A stubborn foe. I pinned it flat beneath my boot.