A Bedtime Measure

After strolling home from the park in the quiet dark, I climbed onto the polished cedar nightstand. Beside a ceramic dish rested a small, clear-cased music box. I reached around its underside with both paws to grasp the tiny brass winding key. With slow, measured turns, I rotated the mechanism three full circles until the spring offered firm resistance. As I released it, the revolving pinned cylinder met the steel comb with a crisp, chiming cadence. I rested my paws on the cool wooden tabletop and closed my eyes, letting each gentle note ring out and dissolve into the peaceful night.