The Little Steel Clamp

I stepped quietly onto the wooden surface of the low side table. Beside a small stack of papers, a black binder clip rested near the edge. I knelt down and touched one of its silver wire handles. It swung smoothly along its pivot. Taking my time, I pressed both wire levers toward each other with both hands, feeling the stiff spring resist my grip. The triangular metal jaws parted just enough to let a slip of paper slide free. When I eased my fingers back, the clamp shut with a firm, satisfying click.