The Ringing Grate

A round metal drainage grate sat flush against the balcony tiles, dark and ribbed like a set of teeth. Tilt right. Click! I crouched low, letting my chest touch the cool slate, and crept around its circular rim. Impulse flared—I sprang forward and drove my lower snout into one of the narrow slots. Clink-chatter! The iron cover rattled loose inside its frame, sending a sharp, echoing vibration straight into my jaw. I braced my hind claws, leaned back, and dragged my teeth across the rough ridges, making the heavy disc sing a clattering rhythm into the evening air.