Morning Brew Observation

I pushed past the pantry baseboard and climbed the braided cord of the toaster to reach the kitchen counter. Resting right beside the drip machine was an unbleached paper coffee filter, dropped flat like a pale fan across the speckled laminate. I unhooked my brass carabiner to use as a paperweight, pressing the wavy rim down so it wouldn't drift in the morning vent draft. Up close, the machine let out a deep, rhythmic gurgle, sending warm steam curling toward the cabinets. I leaned my shoulder against the warm plastic base and let the steady rumble wake me up.