Post-Launch Inspection

The high-speed launch had sent my red truck skidding right beneath the low edge of the armchair. I crawled across the cool floorboards to retrieve it, the room settling into late-night quiet. Kneeling beside the dark mahogany leg of the chair, I checked the truck's front axle. The wheels spun cleanly without wobbling, and the brass washer was still wedged firmly behind the cab. I unhitched the bent paperclip hook, coiled the twine neatly, and reached into the bed for my final sliver of chestnut. Leaning back against the chair leg, I chewed the sweet, crunchy crumb and let my joints rest after a solid run.