A Cool Ceramic Disc

A faint ticking drew me forward. I shuffled across the woven rug, pausing after every few nudges to let the room settle. Near the foot of the bookshelf rested a round, smooth ceramic coaster. I leaned in and gently rested both front paws against its pale surface. It was pleasantly chilled against my plush belly. Beside it sat an unlit glass votive, casting a quiet reflection under the amber floor lamp. I decided to lean right against the coaster, enjoying its solid coolness as the clock ticked in the hallway.