A Sharp Clatter
A wide horn button lay flat on the parquet near the sideboard leg, its polished rim catching a streak of lamp glow. I paused and tilted forward, measuring the smooth curve. Leaning my full side into its edge, I gave it a firm, downward nudge. Instead of sliding, the button popped upright, whirling in a quick, rattling spin across the wood. The sharp clatter echoed softly through the quiet room. I rocked back on my heels, watching the circle blur until it gave one last rhythmic wobble and clicked flat against the floorboards.