A Small Roll

A smooth horn button was resting on its rim against the hallway baseboard. I reached out and gave it a careful tap. It wobbled, then rolled steadily down the polished groove between two floorboards. I padded after it on quiet paws until it clicked against the turned leg of the side table and spun flat. Nudging its rim once more didn't make it roll—it only spun in a tight, lazy circle. I sat down beside it, resting one paw against its cool surface.