A Little Metallic Clack

Slipping beneath the front door crack into the open yard, my boot nudged a pale gray metal bottle cap resting upside down among the tiny pea gravel. I dropped right down onto my knees, resting both gloved hands lightly against my legs to peer inside. The crimped fluted rim sat firmly like a tiny shallow dish, showing a smooth circular plastic liner pressed neat inside the bottom. I reached out with two gloved fingers and gave the crimped edge a gentle, curious tap. It rocked on the pebbles with a crisp, tiny rattle, settling back with a soft clink that made me hum a rhythmic, quiet tune.