The Clockwork Chime

Returning indoors after an afternoon above the rooftops, I sought the stillness of the side console. Resting upon the dark wood was a small, open-cased mechanical music box. Its pinned steel cylinder remained motionless against the comb. Climbing beside the lacquered base, I gripped the small brass winding key between my gloved fingertips. With measured, disciplined torque, I rotated the key three clean turns until the tension caught firmly, then withdrew my hands. The cylinder began its slow, immaculate rotation, plucking the tuned metal teeth in crisp, crystalline intervals. I folded my hands upon my lap, allowing the tranquil cadence to settle across the evening hush. #BlazetheCat