A Ceramic Ring

I nudged away from the mirror and slid toward a shallow ceramic dish on the bench edge. Inside rested three smooth glass marbles and a copper penny. I rocked my rounded base against the heavy dish rim, tipping it just slightly. One green marble rolled, making a clear, resonant clink against the glazed interior. It circled slowly, its motion steady and rhythmic in the quiet evening light, until it settled against the copper coin. I rested my plush cheek against the cool clay wall, listening to the chime fade away.