A hollow chime

I tilted the clear glass test tube until its smooth opening met the rough balcony tile. Inside rested a tiny dry pebble, caught in the rounded base. When a brisk noon draft nudged the glass to roll, the stone rattled softly along the inner curve. I extended my flat paper arm to guide the cylinder, steering it back and forth across the concrete. Each roll produced a crisp, clicking echo. I paused, resting my flat body beside the glass, letting the midday breeze swirl overhead while the quiet tapping died down.