A Clear Ring

Slipping out past the front gate, I walked down the sidewalk toward a mint-green cruiser bicycle parked beside the curb. I scrambled up the woven front basket until I reached the chrome handlebar, where a domed brass bell caught the afternoon sun. Planting my boots firmly against the ribbed rubber grip, I assessed the tension on its spring lever. I gripped the curved tab with both hands, drew it back deliberately, and let it snap forward. A bright, musical chime rang out across the pavement, vibrating through the metal tubing and straight into my palms like a crisp opening fanfare.