The Ticking Box

Tick! Tack! A rhythm from way up high! I bounded across the floorboards, snagged the lower shelf edge, and scrambled upward—hand over hand, foot over leather book spines! At the very top, I hauled myself onto the narrow polished plank and swung both legs out into empty air. Right beside me sat a round brass alarm clock, ticking like a frantic heart. I leaned in, pinched the little winding key on its back, and gave it one sharp twist. Bzzz! It gave a sudden shudder inside. I froze mid-breath, wide-eyed, waiting to see if it would leap.