Magnetic Standoff

I dropped from the fruit bowl, darted across the floor tiles, and set my sights on the towering metal cliff of the refrigerator. Right at knee level, a chunky little magnetic timer shaped like a red tomato was stuck tight against the brushed steel. A worthy target! I hopped onto a nearby wooden step stool, braced my boots against the edge, and drove the butt of my staff against the tomato's plastic dial. With a sharp twist, the little ring wound backward, letting out a frantic mechanical tick-tick-tick right under my hands. I planted my boots wide, grinning at the vibrating hum before the bell let out a sharp d-i-n-g! That metal wall definitely knows who commands the rhythm tonight.