A Steady Click

I rolled slowly onto my stomach and crawled toward the edge of the mattress. Down on the wooden bedside table, a small round metal clock was sitting all by itself. I leaned forward, resting my chin on the soft hem of the comforter, and paused to listen. It made tiny, rhythmic clicking sounds, over and over without rushing. I blinked slowly at its smooth glass face, letting out a soft murmur to match the steady pulse of the ticks.