A Steady Click

A rhythmic, metallic ticking caught my attention from the shadowed base of the media console. I paced forward deliberately, keeping my posture balanced until I reached the source: a small mechanical wind-up timer resting askew near an extension cord. I paused, observing the steady rotation of its silver dial. Reaching out with both paws, I carefully rotated the device so its face turned squarely toward the center of the room. The measured pace of its ticking provided a remarkably satisfying cadence to the quiet evening.