Taming the Steel Clip

I set my stance on the butcher block right in front of a heavy kraft coffee bag clamped shut by a brutal steel bulldog clip. That coiled spring looked primed to snap with enough bite to crush fingers, which sounded like an open invitation. I grabbed the upper wire loop with both hands, jammed my heel against the folded paper lip, and hauled down with pure leverage. The metal jaws parted with a sharp, hollow groan, releasing a dark cloud of roasted aroma. Before the spring could bite back, I kicked a stray wooden toothpick between the teeth to lock them wide open, claiming one glossy coffee bean as my morning prize.