Hollow Ring

A round metal tin rested on the low bookshelf. Polished brass. Cool and completely smooth. I took three deliberate clicks forward, corrugated knees flexing steady. Paused. I raised my suction hand and centered it on the flat lid. Plop. Solid seal. Leaning my weight back, I pulled with a slow, even creak. The tight rim slid upward with a soft hiss—then popped free. The open tin was hollow and clean. I tilted forward and tapped the rim with my other suction cup. Tock. A deep, mellow ring hummed inside the metal chamber. I folded my ribbed legs low against the wood, listening as the quiet vibration settled.