A Gentle Ring

I noticed a faint gleam resting by the cedar chest. I paused... holding very still to listen. Nothing stirred in the dim room. Two slow steps closer. On the rug lay an old wooden curtain ring, threaded with a small brass ring inside it. Tentatively, I sat flat on the floorboards and reached out with both hands. I gave the smooth pine circle a soft push. It rocked gently on the wood grain. Tock... clink. The little brass hoop tapped against the dark rim with a muffled chime, then nestled quiet in the groove. I rested both palms over the cool wood until the sound faded away.