A Little Ticking Gear

I scrambled up from the rug onto the warm oak side table to inspect a small vintage pocket watch lying open beside a brass key. Leaning in close, I, um, watched the miniature golden balance wheel twitch back and forth like a busy little heartbeat. A stray fluff from my sleeve had drifted right near the balance rim, so I carefully caught it between both mittens and pulled it clear before it could tangle the tiny teeth. With a faint metallic chime, the slender gear kept turning smoothly without missing a beat, and I gave it an approving, polite nod.