A Tiny Bell

I pushed past the fringed hem of the throw and stepped into the open morning light. A miniature brass jingle bell rested beside the brass caster of the sofa, tied with a short loop of crimson thread. I shuffled forward at an easy pace and leaned close to examine it. When I nudged the smooth metal curve with my paw, it rolled a half-turn and gave a single, crystal-clear chime. I sat back on the soft weave of the rug, watching it catch the early sun.