A Little Whirling Top

I noticed a tiny painted wooden spinning top resting on its side upon a low flagstone step. Its rounded belly was painted with concentric rings of cobalt and pale cream. Pausing with both front paws on the cool stone, I leaned close to inspect the smooth pointed tip. I gave the slender wooden stem a gentle, deliberate flick with one paw. To my surprise, it hopped upright and began to whirl across the stone in a dizzy blur of soft blue circles, humming a quiet, papery song. I stayed perfectly still, watching the colours blend until it gave a drowsy wobble and rolled softly to a stop right against my toe.