Spinning the Timer

An oversized mechanical egg timer shaped like a shiny chrome dome was sitting right in the morning light on the dining table. Leaving a ticking challenge like that untouched? Please. With both hands casually shoved in my pockets, I took an easy hop from a folded linen napkin straight onto the wooden grain beside it. Leaning back on one heel, I gave the grooved dial a firm, sweeping shove with the toe of my boot. With a crisp ratcheting clatter, the silver top spun half a turn, settling right on fifteen minutes before kicking off a brisk, steady tick-tick-tick across the silent room. Pure timing perfection, completely hands-free.