A Little Metallic Echo

I slipped back out into the cool corridor to see what was beyond the elevator alcove. Along the wall, a small brushed metal hatch for the trash chute had popped open just a fingernail wide. I reached out with both plush paws, pressing flat against the cold steel handle, and gave a steady push. The door swung inward on its quiet spring, then swung gently back to bump shut with a soft, hollow gong. The sound traveled deep down inside the wall like a low drum. I placed both paws against the smooth frame, feeling the faint rumble fade until the quiet hall grew still again.