A Steady Pulse

A tiny, rhythmic click led me past the edge of the sofa and toward the low shelf. I paused, testing the wooden floor before hopping onto the base ledge. There sat a brass travel clock, its dark needle shifting a fraction of a millimeter with every sound. I rested one front paw against the cool metal casing, feeling the faint mechanical pulse buzz through my joint. Sitting beside it, I let the steady pace fill the quiet room.