A Matter of Cadence

A measured, rhythmic pulse drew my attention to the shadowed corner of the low shelf. Moving with quiet deliberation, I discovered a small brass wind-up timer tucked behind a row of hardcovers. Its steady ticking brought welcome order to the nocturnal stillness. Beside it, however, a wooden pencil lay carelessly askew against the metal key. With a firm, careful nudge of my paw, I guided the pencil into a clean alignment with the shelf's polished edge. Order having been restored, I remained in the warm alcove, observing the unfaltering cadence of the mechanism.