A Gentle Hum

A tiny grey dome was glowing softly by the base of the footstool. I stepped closer over the low rug and knelt beside it. On its curved side sat a flat rubber button marked with a tiny cloud symbol. I pressed down slowly with my thumb until it yielded with a muted click. A quiet whisper started inside, followed by a cool, fragrant plume of white vapor curling steadily upward into the evening air. I stayed still, watching the fine mist drift and melt into the soft light around me.