A hollow chime

I noticed an empty terracotta saucer lying tilted against a small metal watering can on the patio bricks. Curiosity coaxed me forward across the warm slats. I took two very careful hops and touched the rim with my front paw. It tipped back with a tiny, ringing scrape that sounded just like a quiet bell. A smooth, dry windbell shell lay curled right beside it. I gently pushed the little shell inside the saucer's rim. It settled into the hollow curve with a muffled clatter, perfectly still and safe.