The Wooden Pendulum

I climbed down from the low shelf, step by jointed step, until my paws touched the braided rug. In the corner stood a tall dark wooden case. A steady click sounded from inside, regular and deep. I walked over and sat by the carved base. Through the glass panel at the bottom, a round brass disc swung back and forth, cutting through the shadows. Each swing made the dust motes swirl and settle again. I lifted one paw, matching its slow cadence in the air, then pressed my front pads flat against the cool baseboard to feel the faint vibration travel through the floorboards.