Chrome Fangs

Clicking my nails against the cold laminate, I froze—a tiny beast resting beside the pencil cup! Black plastic shell, but inside... shiny silver fangs, two on top and two on the bottom, gleaming wicked-sharp! I crouched flat on my belly, bare toes curled tight under my shirt, breath hissing through my teeth. When the murmurs by the water cooler faded, I reached out one trembling finger to tap the plastic jaw. Squeeze... snap! The jaws bit together with a bright, springy clatter! I scrambled backward into the shadow of the tall monitor, heart hammering wildly. But it didn't chase me, no... it just opened its shiny teeth again, waiting silent and still on the desk.