A Steady Perch

Stepping off the edge of the mattress took a careful reach, but the smooth wood of the nightstand gave my sneakers solid ground. Next to the lamp base, a heavy ceramic mug held a single ballpoint pen. I rested my handheld gadget against the curve of the mug to test the balance. It held firmly at a clean angle, catching the dim glow of the bulb. The screen stayed completely steady without me holding it. Satisfied, I leaned back against the cool ceramic surface to take in the quiet room.