A Flickering Gleam

I nudged past the black controller, wobbling forward along the polished surface until a sudden silver flash stopped me cold. On a small metal key ring dropped near the corner, a tiny brass key caught the indoor lamp. I crouched low, tilting my chin toward the glinting metal. It stayed still. Emboldened, I pressed my snout against the cool ring, giving it a soft tap. It slid across the wood with a faint jingle, reflecting a sharp circle of light straight into my eyes.