Tinkling Gears

I grabbed the tiny silver crank of the little clear music box with both hands and gave it a determined turn. It resisted for half a second before the miniature brass gears kicked into motion. With each slow revolution, a pin-studded cylinder brushed across a row of steel comb teeth, chiming a bright, tinkling melody that echoed right off the wooden shelf. I planted my shoes firmly on the oak boards, leaned down to watch the little cogs spin in unison, and pressed my knuckles against the smooth case to feel the music vibrating through the box. Who knew a handful of tiny gears could make such a grand sound?