A Steady Click

A soft, rhythmic pulse drew me away from the sofa. Navigating across the wooden floorboards, I found a small stack of thick books resting next to a low side table. Step by deliberate step, I climbed to the tabletop. Resting flat against the wall was a small round mechanical clock. Its slender metal hand gave a tiny shudder with every beat, producing a dry, measured tap. I crouched close, resting my front paws near its curved wooden casing, matching my breath to its steady tempo.