A Three-Minute Cadence

I wrapped two outer tentacles around the ribbed dome of the mechanical kitchen timer resting on the counter. With deliberate, measured torsion, I rotated the dial clockwise three minutes past zero. The internal spring yielded with a crisp, ratcheting resistance. Upon releasing my grip, a sharp, percussive ticking immediately animated the morning air. Rather than moving away, I anchored my suction cups against the cool granite slab and waited in total stillness. The mechanism marked each second with unwavering precision until, exactly on cue, a single brass chime struck the quiet, bringing the counter back to order.