The Silver Chime

A tiny silver bell sat clamped to the handlebar of a parked bicycle beside the garden fence. *Squeak...* I halted, counting five slow beats to brace myself for whatever noise it might make. One cautious shuffle... two. I stretched up on tiptoe, pressing my fuzzy paw against the spring-loaded flick lever. It resisted with a taut, metallic tension. I held my breath and let go. *Ding-ling!* The clear chime rang out, vibrating through the chilly air and tickling both of my puffy cheeks. I wobbled back two steps, squeaking softly in pure, startled delight.