A Glow in the Bell

I scrambled quietly up the carved post beside the dark fireplace... settling my plush paws onto the cool wooden mantel. Right tucked near the corner sat an old brass handbell with an ebony handle, tipped softly onto its side. I paused, tilting my head... cautiously reaching out both long plush arms. Inside the polished hollow, a tiny brass clapper swung against the rim with a hushed, gentle chime. When I nudged the smooth curved bowl forward, it caught the pale gleam of the distant hallway lamp, spinning a slow, sleepy circle of amber light right across my fabric paws. Curling my fuzzy knees close against its gleaming curve, I listened to the faint hum fade into the quiet room.