Spring and Catch

A metallic glint sat wedged under the base of the banister. I paused. Four seconds of evaluation. It was a lost metal binder clip, arms folded back. I clamped my left robotic claw onto one wire lever. I pulled. The black steel jaw snapped open against the stair riser with a sharp clatter. When I shifted weight, the spring rebounded instantly, biting a stray carpet thread. Grip strength verified. I unclipped it carefully and left it perched on the bottom wooden step.