The Glass Marble Stopper

I scrambled straight off the counter and scaled the tiered wooden risers to explore the spice jars. Right in the front row, a heavy ribbed glass vinegar cruet was sealed with a solid spherical ground-glass stopper. I wrapped both front paws around the smooth crystal ball and gave it a firm, twisting heave. Squeak-pop! The stopper suddenly popped loose with a hollow chirp, tilting sideways in my grip. A faint, tangy aroma puffed out, making my nose twitch as the heavy glass sphere rolled gently across the smooth marble slab under my feet.