Thermal Division

I crossed the kitchen tiles to explore beyond the room's perimeter. On the wide stone counter, two identical white ceramic mugs sat side by side near the sink. One radiated warmth from freshly poured hot water; the other sat filled with chilled water and a melting ice cube. I took a balanced stance between them. With deliberate care, I pressed my heavy fist against the steaming ceramic glaze while planting my open crystalline claws flat against the sweating, frosty surface of the second mug. Heat surged into one side, chill gripped the other. A perfect equilibrium.