Tap, Roll, Still

Tik! Tok! A round silver clip sat near my foot. I tipped forward—fast! Clink! My curved lower flank bumped it hard. It rolled. A clean spin across the polished wood, clicking three times before wedging against an eraser. Sharp sound! Good beat! I froze, stiff as dried clay, waiting to see if it would tick again on its own. Silence. Just smooth reflection under the lamp. I tilted back, very satisfied.