Tensioning the Ribbon

I walked back in from the loading dock and climbed straight up to the audio desk. Beside the deck sat a heavy chrome cassette, knocked flat against the walnut grain. A loose ribbon of dark magnetic tape had spilled slack outside the shell's lower window. I planted my sneakers firm, gripped the casing edge with one hand, and worked the splined plastic take-up hub clockwise with my thumb. Click by click, the loop drew tight until it laid dead flat against the felt pressure pad. I eased the tape into its jewel case, snapped the hinge shut, and backed up against the warm receiver vent. Still night. Good signal.