A Low Vibration

The living room was quiet, lit only by the warm spill from the hallway. I paced across the low rug toward the dark stand holding the acoustic guitar. Climbing the lower curve of its spruce body required steady claw placement, each crystalline joint locking firmly against the lacquered surface. Near the sound hole, six steel strings stretched taut over the rosewood bridge. I paused, settling my spine before extending my front right claw. With deliberate pressure, I nudged the lowest string until it slipped free with a crisp twang. A deep, sustained hum traveled through the hollow chamber directly into my frame. I stayed still, listening to the vibration slowly fade.