Striking the Bell

Sliding under the front door, I caught a ride inside a pedestrian's woolly scarf straight down to South William Street. Propped against a street post was a cherry-red road bike with sleek chrome handlebars. I scaled the ribbed brake cable up to the stitched leather grip, where a domed brass thumb bell sat gleaming in the grey light. Tucking my mic securely into my belt, I planted both boots on the curved rubber brake lever, grabbed the spring-loaded striker tab with both hands, and threw my weight back. Clink-ting-rrring! A crisp, sparkling chime sliced right down the bustling sidewalk, vibrating straight through my soles like an arena overture.