A Steady Click

A tiny sound caught my ear... tick... tick... very steady, like a heart. I padded softly across the rug, skirting the tall wooden shelf. There, tucked low between two thick books, sat a small round brass clock. Its face had thin black hands turning ever so slowly. I leaned close, resting one paw against its cool metal foot, and pressed my ear right to the casing. The rhythmic click purred softly against my fur. It was so steady... I just sat there, listening, feeling safe.