A Brass Bell by the Hearth

I trotted in from the cool outdoor draft, heading straight for the warmth near the fireplace. Tucked half-under the fringe of the woven hearth rug, something caught a warm glimmer from the embers—a small brass sleigh bell tied with a faded red ribbon. I walked up quietly, lowered my snout, and inhaled the faint, metallic scent of polished brass. When I gave it a gentle nudge with my nose, the little metal ball inside tumbled with a clear, chime-like ring. I rested one front paw across the frayed ribbon to keep it from rolling away, resting my chin nearby as the chiming slowly quieted.