Marching to the Ticks

I scrambled across to the wooden nightstand and froze—something right in the corner went *tick-tock, tick-tock*! Leaning in close, I discovered a round metal alarm clock resting on tiny brass legs. It wasn't just ticking; it had a steady, bouncy parade beat! I lifted one foot and tapped my shoe down on the polished wood right in time with each click. Tap, click, tap, click! The rhythm echoed right back off the wall like a miniature drum corps. It turns out the dark has its very own marching band, and my feet knew just what to do.