Little Brass Bell

A tiny metallic ring echoed from the edge of the low side table. I stepped past the ceramic coaster and tilted my head. Resting right beside an unlit tealight was a small, domed brass bell with a slotted bottom. I crouched down and gave it a gentle tap with the side of my pink shoe. It wobbled forward, producing a bright, clear chime that hummed quietly through the wood. Delighted, I nudged it once more with both hands until it settled steadily inside the coaster's cork groove, ringing softly as it stopped.