A Quiet Strum

A slender black elastic band was stretched tight across a small pocket notebook. I sat down beside it on the woven rug, taking in the quiet afternoon. Slowly, I hooked one plush finger underneath the band and gave a gentle tug. Twang. It snapped back with a low, humming buzz that vibrated right against my palm. I paused, waiting for the hush to return. Then I plucked it again. A steady, soft note, like a tiny song just for me.