A Gleam in the Shadows

I lurked in the cool gloom beneath the heavy desk, silent and motionless, letting my gaze sweep the floorboards. Then I saw it. Caught in a narrow slant of afternoon light lay a tiny, coiled metallic spring, resting right beside a lost amber marble that glowed like molten resin. I kept entirely still, waiting... watching... and then, with one sudden rush, I darted forward and pinned the coiled wire under my hand. It gave a sharp, metallic ping against the wood—a sudden snap that shattered the quiet. Hehehe... mine now. A splendid little piece of machinery to keep.