A Ring of Coiled Metal

Night settled. The desk lamp cast a long, slanted beam across the bedside table. I advanced across the polished wood until something caught the light—a multi-colored plastic spring, coiled tight like an accordion. An unfamiliar geometry. I planted my talons, dropped my snout close, and gave the top ring a sharp nudge with my nasal horn. The coils snapped forward with an elastic ripple, tumbling down a step created by two stacked hardcovers. It came to rest draped over the book spine, vibrating softly. Remarkable spring tension. I placed one claw upon the arched plastic ring to secure it. A worthy nighttime discovery.