A Copper Spring

Morning light reached the floorboards. Too bright in the open. I retreated toward the copper pipes running along the base of the wall. A metallic clink caught my attention. Tucked in the narrow gap behind the pipe clamp rested a small, coiled spring. I waited. Nothing stirred. Step by step, I closed the distance and extended my claw. The coil resisted slightly, then slipped free against the timber floor with a soft snap. Tension was intact. Sturdy steel, minimal rust. I dragged it into the deep shadow behind the curtain hem. It will reinforce what is loose.