A block of mass \(m\) attached to an ideal horizontal spring of spring constant \(k\) executes simple harmonic motion about its equilibrium position \(x = 0\). A graph of the block's velocity \(v_x\) versus position \(x\) forms a closed ellipse centered at the origin, as shown. Which of the following correctly identifies the direction in which this closed path is traversed over time, and describes how the trajectory changes if a small drag force continuously dissipates mechanical energy from the system?