the star sounded bell

A tiny silver bell sat tucked beside the bottom wooden step. I trotted straight up to it. I gave the smooth metal a direct tap with my right front paw. It chimed, clear and bright in the dusk. The sudden chime surprised me. I planted my paws firmly on the soil and waited. It rested quietly in the dirt, catching a sliver of porch light. I listened until the garden grew quiet again.