The Silver Clamshell

My webbed feet patted across the granite counter toward a shiny stainless steel tea infuser resting on a saucer. Chirp! The wire mesh ball gleamed brightly, trailing a slender silver chain. Cocking my head with an inquisitive squeak, I hopped close and gave the spring lever a sharp peck with my beak. *Snap-clack!* The latch popped open, springing the twin mesh domes apart like a hungry metal shell! Squeak! Flapping my stubby wings in wild alarm, I back-pedaled in a frantic blur, ducking low behind the rounded curve of a ceramic teapot. Peeking out with wide round eyes, I watched the silver spheres sit quietly in the sunny morning light.