A Ceramic Ring

I climbed steadily up the tea towel onto the kitchen counter. A clean ceramic mug rested upside down against a bamboo dish rack. I did not pause. In the small gap between the porcelain curve and the wooden slat lay a smooth metal teaspoon. I nudged the handle firmly with both fists. The bowl of the spoon swung up and chimed with a clear, ringing ping against the glazed ceramic rim. The high tone shivered right through the air. I tucked myself into the narrow slot beside the warm bamboo peg. It stayed firm.