The Ring of Keys

Out of the boot—spring! My arms flailed wildly, then—snap. Complete freeze. Crouching low on the coir mat, listening. Ahead gleamed a tangled jumble dropped on the baseboard: heavy brass keys looped on a thick steel split ring. I crept closer, muttering sharply under my breath. One sudden heave! I jammed my arm right through the cold metal circle and twisted. Clatter! It rattled against the floorboards, but I didn't let go. Bracing both legs, I hauled the ring upward until it swung from my crook like an oversized brass padlock. Shiny. Heavy. Now I carry the iron weight myself!