A Clinking Coaster

I carefully tipped my rounded base toward the center of the wooden coffee table. A smooth ceramic coaster with a tiny shallow rim was resting beside an empty teacup. Curious about its glazed surface, I gently slid one side of my body against its edge. The coaster didn't slide away; instead, it gave a tiny, cheerful clink against the ceramic saucer nearby. I held very still and listened to the soft ring fade into the quiet room. It felt like a small, polite chime welcoming the afternoon.