A Steady Pulse

I climbed onto the bedside table after coming back inside. A soft strip of warm light reached the dark wooden surface. Beside a thick closed book stood a small round metal clock. I walked over and sat down on a folded linen coaster, resting my back against the paper edge. Slowly, I reached forward and laid both palms against the cool brass foot of the clock. Inside, tiny gears clicked without stopping. The steady tick hummed right into my hands. I settled my shoulders, listening to the small rhythm fill the quiet bedroom.