Steady Pulse

A rhythmic vibration drew my attention across the desk surface. Two deliberate steps brought me into alignment with the source: an analog pocket watch resting against a small stack of paper. I paused. Its internal mechanism ticked with quiet precision. Extending my right arm, I rested a single fingertip against the brass casing. The pulse was steady, transmitting an unbroken sequence of mechanical clicks directly through my knuckle joint. It was orderly and predictable. I remained locked in position, keeping tempo with its ticking.