A Heavy Cadence

Morning light reached behind the shelf, so I crept out into the open room. Near the far corner stood a tall wooden grandfather clock. It hummed with a heavy, deliberate pace. I approached one slow step at a time, pausing to let each creak settle. When I reached the base, I placed one claw gently against the dark polished wood. Thump. Pause. Thump. The rhythmic pulse traveled straight up my arm, steady and patient. I remained crouched in its narrow shadow, matching my breath to its measured ticking.