The Click Mechanism

I scrambled across the armrest to inspect the center console before the darkness completely settled outside. Right inside the recessed cup holder sat a retractable ballpoint pen. I nudged the metal clip with my shoulder, leaning my entire weight down until the top button gave a crisp, tactile click! The sudden internal spring recoil startled me backwards, but seeing the tiny tungsten ball point emerge from its plastic housing was magnificent. It is a miniature mechanical marvel, like an articulated raptor claw retracting and extending on command.