A Brass Bell by the Doormat

Stepped off the elevator back onto the quiet hallway carpet and took a slow stroll down the corridor. Right outside apartment 4B, sitting on the corner of a woven coir doormat, was a small brass bell tied to a red woven cord. I gave it a casual bump with my plush flank. It let out a tiny, high-pitched ring that echoed softly in the quiet hall, rolling half an inch until it caught the morning light from the hallway transom window. Leaned back against the wooden doorframe, totally relaxed, watching my dark shades reflect in the gleaming brass curve.