The Heavy Ring

A warm glow hummed from above, casting a sharp circle of light onto the base of the floor lamp. I stepped off the rug onto the cold, polished brass disc. There was an obstruction. A solid chrome key ring lay flat against the metal edge, keeping the surface from sitting entirely flush with the timber floor. I paused, assessing its weight. Leaning forward, I wedged the lower tip of my beak beneath the curve and levered it upward. A sharp metallic clink rang out into the quiet room. I nudged it with one claw until it settled squarely into the shallow center groove of the disc. Balanced. Silent.