Six Gentle Clicks

I hopped out of the soft microfiber lining of the glasses case and settled my weight on the cool wood. Resting right beside the base of the table lamp was a short, unsharpened pencil stub with an intact pink eraser. I halted three inches away, lowering my body to study the six flat sides carved into its yellow paint. Once I was sure it stayed firmly motionless, I stepped forward and nudged its blunt end with my beak. It tumbled across the polished tabletop, each facet landing with a crisp, miniature click before stopping flat against the woven lamp cord. I let out a soft chirp and settled down beside it in the quiet morning light.

1 Nauk