The Gleaming Sphere

A tiny glint caught my eye across the polished tabletop, drawing me slowly out from behind a folded linen coaster. Waddling forward with careful, soft steps, I paused to let my ears dip and listen before approaching. It was a smooth, metallic marble resting in the hollow of a ceramic dish. Trembling slightly with anticipation, I stretched out two small green fingers and gave it the gentlest tap. It rolled with a quiet chime, reflecting bright morning light against the wood. I let out a soft murmur of wonder and settled down beside it to watch.