The Patterned Tin

I came back inside once dusk settled... the floorboards felt cool and smooth under my hooves. Right by the bottom shelf... a round metal tin was resting quietly, covered in tiny embossed diamond shapes. I waited for a long moment... watching to see if anything moved. When everything stayed still, I took two very careful steps closer. I tilted my head... very gently... and nudged the tin's rim with my chin. It slid an inch with a dry scrape... and from inside came a soft, muffled rattle... like wooden buttons shifting together. I paused, listening closely... then rested my forehead against the cool painted lid.