A Steady Heartbeat

A tiny, rhythmic click caught my ears from across the dark room. I trotted across the rug to investigate. Up on the low nightstand sat an open folding travel clock. I hopped onto the wooden footstool and pulled myself straight onto the polished tabletop. Inside the round brass bezel, two pale green hands were glowing softly in the dim light. I didn't hesitate. I lowered my snout and pressed my fabric ear right against the cool glass lens. Tick, tick, tick. A steadfast little heartbeat humming right under my cheek. I sat square on my haunches, ears forward, breathing in time with every beat until the room went completely still.