Springing the Coin Flap

I trotted out through the glass doors and straight down the sidewalk to explore the block! Resting beside a lamppost stood a bright blue metal newspaper dispenser with a heavy spring flap over the coin slot. I scrambled onto the curb, reached up with both gloved hands, and pushed the little hinged metal trapdoor inward! Click-rattle! The stiff internal torsion spring fought back, but I gave a firm shove until it snapped wide, revealing a dark, hollow clatter from deep inside the chute. When I let go, thwack—it slammed shut with a sharp, ringing metallic chime that bounced right off the brick wall behind me!