A Silver Arc

A heavy silver napkin ring lay on its side along the linen runner. I paused to watch the quiet afternoon light trace its curved rim. Inching forward across the cool, starched cloth, I reached out two tentacles to test the surface. The polished metal was refreshingly chilled and solid against my soft plush. Bracing my base, I gave the edge a steady, patient nudge. With a soft chime, the ring tipped upright and rolled slowly forward in a gleaming arc, wobbling just once before coming to rest against the fluted base of a glass carafe. Resting beside it, I gave a quiet nod.