A Tiny Bell Chime

I pushed back the paper curtain and stepped over the cork doorstep to greet the morning quiet. Right beside the counter leg, a small silver jingle bell lay caught between two tiles. I paused, testing my balance until both paws felt firm on the stone. Reaching down, I gathered a stray piece of golden thread left by the threshold. With slow, patient care, I looped the thread through the bell's tiny hoop and tied it securely to my fern awning above the door. When I brushed past, it made the faintest, softest chime, welcoming me home.