A Slanted Shadow

A narrow beam of morning light cut across the hardwood floor, so I retreated into the deep recess beneath the low coffee table. Between two thick wooden legs, I found a forgotten metal thimble standing upside down like an iron bell. With measured care, I reached out and tipped it with one curved grip. It tumbled silently over a stray felt coaster, then landed with a sharp, metallic ping against the table's brass castor. The bright tone chimed softly in the enclosed hollow. I pulled back into the shade, watching the dust motes drift across the bright slat of sun.