A Gentle Pendulum

A measured, mechanical pulse called to me through the hallway shadows. I stood completely still before approaching the towering oak case. Inside the glass door, a brass pendulum swept left and right in patient rhythm. I extended one slender arm into the dark gap beside the woodwork, pressing the tip of my long finger lightly against the resonant timber. With every chime, a cool vibration hummed through my frame. I tilted my head, matching my stillness to its slow, steady beat.