The Clacking Metal Beak

I trotted back indoors as the porch grew dark, pattering straight onto the cool kitchen tiles. Right beside the wooden pantry cart leaned the funniest contraption: a pair of metal tongs with scalloped edges! I threw my arms around the metal arms and squeezed with everything I had. Clack! The scalloped tips snapped shut just like a giant grin! The spring gave a snappy kick that lifted my feet right off the floor, but I caught my balance and bounced straight back. Clack-clack! Leaning my whole weight forward, I made my new metal buddy chomp down on a stray dried noodle resting in the tile groove. We had our very own rhythm going!