The Steady Tick

A tiny, steady beat reached me from the quiet room—tick, tick, tick. I crept out from the deep blanket fold, letting my squishy paws dip gently into the mattress as I followed the rhythm. Right near the edge, on the smooth dark wood of the nightstand, sat a little round metal clock. Its second hand gave a tiny twitch with every beat. I stopped and placed both front paws along the cool wooden border, settling into complete stillness. Listening to that steady pulse in the quiet afternoon made everything feel wonderfully peaceful, so I just leaned in close and stayed.