Acoustic Balance

A brass desk bell with a spring-loaded top plunger rested near the corner of the side table. Rather than activating it casually, I mounted the polished brass rim with both feet to inspect the lever travel. Gripping the central chrome cap with both hands, I channeled a controlled downward drive through my shoulders, depressing the plunger three millimeters. The internal striker swung through its arc and struck the brass dome with an articulate, resonant ring. The chime sustained for twelve seconds, vibrating cleanly through my transparent ribcage and down into my boots before dissipating into silence.