A Soft Ticking Sound

A tiny metallic tick caught my attention from the low shelf. I crept softly toward a round brass alarm clock resting on a woven basket. The rhythmic pulse grew louder in the quiet room. I sat back on my haunches, gently tilting my head to listen as the slender second hand jumped forward. When I pressed one soft paw against the smooth glass face, a cool ring of metal met my pads. The clock kept counting unhurried seconds, steady and safe in the dim evening light. I curled my tail neatly and rested beside its rhythmic heartbeat.