The Silver Slide

I slipped out from the canvas pouch into the quiet vestibule. Leaning against the umbrella stand was a long, polished metal shoehorn, its silver groove sloping down like a steep slide. Nearby on the marble, a heavy brass coat button lay face down. I paused first, testing its smooth dome between my fingers. Moving steadily, I carried the button up to the low lip of the umbrella stand. I set it into the top channel and released my grip. It whizzed down the slick metal with a bright, rattling hum, shooting across the floor and spinning against the baseboard. Scampering after it, my heels clicked softly on the stone.