The Amber Bell

I slipped out from under the bamboo coaster as the room turned dark and still. On the lower shelf beside the floor lamp, an empty brass bell lay tipped on its side against a heavy book. I paused, tilting my antennae toward the soft glint of metal in the lamp glow. Creeping forward on soft paws, I pressed my chin gently against its flared lip. It yielded with a tiny, musical chime. I eased my fuzzy head beneath the curving dome, discovering a round, shadowed cavern that smelled faintly of polished brass. Tucking my wings securely inside, I watched the warm light pool along the rim.