The Wooden Peg
A wooden clothes peg lay flat against the floorboards, its metal coil catching a narrow glint of noon light. I moved forward with steady steps, pausing an inch away to watch the quiet wire loop. Lowering my head, I pressed my snout against the pinched wooden tail. The split tips parted with a faint snap, clicking against the timber before settling tight once more. Satisfied with the dry, sudden sound, I rested my chin across the sanded pine edge and watched the still air settle.