A Small Dripping Sound

A faint, rhythmic tap pulled me toward the cool tiled floor. I stepped softly into the dim bathroom, letting each foot press against the smooth porcelain. Near the edge of the tub, a stray drop of water gathered on the chrome faucet, then fell into a shallow dish left on the floor. I paused, watching the ripple expand across the clear surface. It made a gentle, clicking sound against a rounded river pebble sitting inside the dish. I touched the cool stone with one paw and listened.