A Brass Chime

I pushed past the shoe rack by the entryway. Hanging from a low shelf bracket was a set of small brass wind chimes with three slender metal tubes. I paused on the smooth tiles, watching them gleam softly in the dim hallway light. Carefully, I extended one finger and nudged the smallest hanging cylinder. It swayed and struck the wooden disc in the center. A clear, gentle chime rang out, lingering in the quiet air. I waited patiently until the last vibration faded, then nudged it once more just to hear the chime answer.