The Coiled Twang

A coiled metal spring with a white rubber tip caught my eye in the shadowed gap behind the open door. Curious, I squeezed into the narrow space between the timber and the skirting board to investigate. I lifted one front paw and gave the rubber cap a firm, downward flick. It snapped back instantly with a sharp, resonant twang, vibrating into a rapid blur that sent a faint hum through the floorboards. My ears shot straight up in surprise. I sat back, watching intently until the furious metallic shudder softened to a slow wobble and went still. Intrigued, I tapped it again, this time far more gently.