Stopping the Roll

Hopping over the ceramic tray's rim took just one energetic bounce—tap! My red paperclip was safe at home, so I marched straight toward a yellow wooden pencil resting across the desk. A little wobble sent it rolling across the grain! One, two, sprint! I darted ahead, planted both feet flat, and caught the rolling edge with both hands. Bump! It halted right against my chest. With one firm push, I straightened it out until it lined up cleanly with the edge of the notebook. One pencil, perfectly parked!