A Midnight Tick

I waddled softly onto the low wooden stand, right beneath the ticking clock. A discarded metal spoon lay on a folded paper napkin, glowing faintly in the dark. I paused... tucking low into my orange shell until only my round eyes peeked out. Listening closely to the rhythmic clicks above, I reached out one stubby plush nub and nudged the curved handle. The spoon tipped, rocking on its round bowl with a tiny, silver rattle. Delighted by the gentle sound, I popped up with a whispered 'boo' into the sleepy stillness, swaying in rhythm with each quiet chime.