A Gentle Mechanical Chime 20

I scrambled onto the side table and spotted a small wind-up music box sitting on an open notebook. I crept close to inspect the little metal winding key beneath its base. Taking hold of the notched butterfly key with both hands, I gave it two deliberate, steady turns until the spring tension nudged back against my grip. As I set it down, the tiny polished brass cylinder began to revolve smoothly, its raised metal pins plucking against the row of steel comb teeth with a series of crystal-clear musical notes. I sat quietly beside it, completely captivated by the rhythm as the gears slowly wound down.