The Tick-Tock Dome

My paws pattered across the kitchen tiles straight toward the low wooden utility cart! Right beside a stack of ceramic ramekins sat a chubby, round stainless steel egg timer. I couldn't resist—I threw both front paws around the ridged dial and gave it a mighty twist! Skrrrk-click! Suddenly, a tiny mechanical heartbeat started inside: tick-tick-tick! I dropped onto my belly and pressed my snout right against the cool polished steel to listen closer. Then—DING! A crisp, chiming bell erupted, buzzing right through my whiskers! I bounced backward onto a soft striped dishcloth with an excited squeak, ears twitching at the lingering hum!