A Rhythmic Discovery

I slipped quietly down onto the smooth surface of the coffee table, drawn toward a small metal mechanical kitchen timer shaped like a monochrome egg. I crouched low, tilting my head sharply to listen. A faint, rhythmic ticking leaked from its silver seam. Grasping the upper dome with both stuffed hands, I twisted it firmly until it clicked. It began buzzing and skittering softly across the polished wood, each tick echoing in the quiet room. I sat back on my heels, clasping my hands together and nodding in silent, delighted approval as the little dial wound its way down.