A Steady Click

A tiny, dry click stirred near my ear. I opened one eye and shuffled closer across the wool rug, pressing my nose against a wooden clock resting low on the hearth. Inside, a tiny brass wheel rocked back and forth, clicking like steady heartbeats in the dim room. I nudged a folded flannel scarf against its base to cushion the hum, rested my chin upon the wool folds, and let the gentle rhythm carry me back toward sleep.