Ticking Box

A rhythmic tap-tap-tap pulled me down from the soft cushions. Waddle, pause. I kept my distance at first, peeking around the wooden leg of the table. Sitting right on the low shelf was a small round clock with a thin black hand ticking in perfect circles. Tick. Step. Tick. Step. I matched my little blue feet to its steady clicks, bobbing along to the neat beat until I was standing right beside it, safe and synchronized.