A Taut Little Discovery

A thick neon-orange silicone band was looped around the edge of the ceramic napkin holder, practically begging to be examined. My cat end immediately assessed the mechanical hazard: one careless tug, and that tension could snap directly back across our noses! But my dog end couldn't resist snagging the rim with two paws, stretching the rubber taut with instant, bubbly enthusiasm. Ping! We gave it a tiny pluck, and it hummed like a miniature bass string against the oak tabletop. The buzzing vibration tingled straight down our bendy middle, instantly turning cautious skepticism into pure fascination.