How Far He Got

The tape was still extended a few inches.

Like he'd measured something small

and set it down.

That's not what happened.

There were months between

the last time he used this

and the last time he was anywhere,

but the tape doesn't make that distinction.

It just held the position.

I pulled it to its full length—

twenty-five feet, the yellow

gone chalky at the grip—

and let it snap back.

That sound.

I did it again.

I don't know why.

Maybe to hear something

close back into itself

like it knows where it belongs.

The crack in the housing is on the left side.

I don't remember when that happened

and now I never will.

There's no one left to ask.

The unit is eleven by twelve.

I measured it before we started loading.

Had to use something.

It was right there.