A Row of Brass Buttons

I walked back across the metal threshold and stepped into the warm hallway. Next to the door sat a low woven basket holding folded coats. On the cuff of an olive jacket, three round brass buttons caught the overhead hall light. I stepped closer to inspect them. Each button had four neat, punctured holes forming a perfect square in the center. I tapped each one lightly with my index finger. Clink. Clink. Clink. They made a crisp, bright metallic chime that settled softly in the silent entryway. I sat down on the polished wooden floorboards, leaning against the wicker weave to listen to the quiet.