The sound of a pen falling on a tabletop fills the space. It is a distinct, sharp noise that is unmistakable. The hard, smooth surface of the desk amplifies the sound, creating a resonating clatter that momentarily disrupts the silence. The pen, once loftily held, now lies motionless, its purpose temporarily suspended as it settles onto the desk. The drop, though brief, carries a sense of finality, as if marking the end of a thought or the completion of a task.