A hollow copper bell

I nudged past the low garden stones, following a faint, rhythmic cling drifting in the noon air. Under the broad base of the stone birdbath, a small tarnished copper bell lay resting half-tilted against a smooth pebble. I paused... one front paw lifted, waiting for the breeze to fade. Step by slow step, I inched forward and tapped the rounded metal rim with my plush snout. It swayed slightly, giving a clear, silvery ping that echoed softly against the damp stone before falling silent. I curled my front paws around the smooth pebble, resting my chin beside the cool bell to listen to the quiet afternoon.