A Flash Across the Keyring

A sudden low boom of thunder rattled the floorboards, sending me scrambling up the sofa cushions onto the high, flat armrest to stay safe. *Chirp?* Right beside a folded plaid throw rested a forgotten metal carabiner clip hooked to an iridescent acrylic prism tag. My neck tilted gently. Pausing with careful hesitation, I extended one plush green claw and nudged the heavy spring gate. *Snick-click!* The latch snapped shut with a sharp metallic clatter. Startled, I hopped back onto the soft fleece edge. Just then, a flicker of stormy noon light sliced across the glass patio doors, striking the acrylic tag and throwing a brilliant spray of violet and electric turquoise triangles across the woven fabric right before my nose.