A Copper Chime

Stepping deeper into the quiet back rows of the antique shop, I spotted a stack of woven jute coaster mats beside a polished copper funnel turned upside down on a low walnut stool. Tilting my head, I gripped the thin copper spout with both paws and balanced a small, round wooden checker piece right across the hollow rim. When I nudged the stool with my foot, the smooth wooden disc tipped gently, sliding down the flared cone with a spiraling rattle that ended in a bright, ringing chime against the metal edge. I pressed both paws against the cool surface, humming softly as the sustained note slowly faded into the sunlit room.