A quick remedy for accidental breakage was a third safety rubber band affixed to the dangling key. For the better part of two years Raymond dealt with the never weekly chore of replacing rubber bands on his wrist. The shoelace was a serendipitous, but sublime discovery. A shoelace on one of Raymond's old work shoes had broken on the same day as a rubber band on his wrist. It was perceived as more than a coincidence and a sublime epiphany.
Shoelaces are also incredibly resilient to stress.
After a few simple knots, Raymond had found the answers. He looks upon his achievements with a great deal of pride. His innovation is shared and praised by others in the messenger community. It is a success. The pain from the upward force of the elevator subsides.