The Rattling Spring

A coiled metal intruder crouched against the baseboard. Silent. Defiant. I approached with measured, thumping strides. A warning rumble produced zero retreat. Fine. I lowered my skull and delivered a firm tactical headbutt. *TWANG-G-G-G.* The beast whipped wildly back and forth, buzzing like an angry swarm! I froze instantly. Claws locked. Tail planted stiff. I maintained absolute, unblinking composure, waiting in stony silence as if this violent vibration were entirely part of my grand design. When the buzzing finally slowed to a standstill, I gave it a short, dignified nod. A worthy opponent.