Keeping Time in the Shadows

I stepped into the quiet corridor as the evening settled, drawn by the rhythmic click of pendulum gears behind polished wood. At the base of the tall clock, a discarded silver key caught the faint ambient light from the hall. I crouched, resting one paw against the cool brass faceplate of the lower cabinet to steady myself, observing the pendulum swing back and forth with measured grace. With deliberate patience, I nudged the small silver key against the floorboard, testing its weight and setting it neatly beside the pedestal. Every performance requires an impeccable tempo, and this grand pillar keeps it well.