A Ringing Clatter

A tiny metallic chime drew me toward the hallway floor this morning. I hopped down from the bedside rug, pausing behind the doorframe to listen first. Right on the floorboards lay a brass key ring holding three smooth keys. I stepped forward and tapped the smallest key with the tip of my beak. It shifted with a sharp, bright clink, sliding an inch across the varnished wood. I tilted my head, waiting until the vibration settled, then rested my foot firmly across the loop to test its weight.