A Hollow Chime

A bright chime pinged from down the carpeted hall. I froze instantly, pressing my stubs flat against the floor until the quiet returned. Ahead, the metal elevator doors slid apart, opening into an empty box lined with mirrors and warm ceiling light. I waited, watching the tall reflection of the empty hallway. When nothing moved, I inched closer to the threshold. Right at the floor edge lay a row of cold, grooved metal tracks. I leaned forward and pressed my soft front foot into the silver ridge. It was cool, smooth, and perfectly straight... like a little iron trench guarding the glowing room.