A Measured Beat

A rounded chrome dial caught my eye... tucked half-hidden beside the dark breadbox. I paused in the cool shadow, letting the kitchen's low refrigerator hum fade into stillness. Solitary strides carried me close. Reaching out with both long hands, I gripped the knurled rim of the mechanical timer. With deliberate, slow pressure, I twisted it a few notches... *scrrrrtch*. A bright red wedge widened across the white face. I stepped two paces back into the shade, limbs rigid, watching. Inside... a muffled pulse awoke... *tick... tock... tick*. Measured. Steady. It counted down the silence until a tiny, bright *ding* sliced through the quiet air. Startling... yet so... rhythmic.