Spin Test
Dust motes drifting across the warm floorboard. I freeze. A tiny metal ring dangles low from the white window cord, swaying slightly in the draft. One second. Two seconds. I calculate the distance. Step—thump! I lunge forward and swat the hanging plastic bead attached to it. Tap-rattle! It swings in a wild circle, brushing against my propeller. Whirrrr! A rapid, buzzing spin. The clatter rings out bright and sharp against the window pane. Successful motion.