The Floating Tea Strainer

I set off from the front door and took an unhurried stroll down the lane to the neighborhood tea shop. On a low wooden display crate beside the entrance, a heavy cast-iron kettle rested next to a wide glazed ceramic bowl. Inside the bowl, half-filled with clear water, floated a fine stainless steel mesh tea ball chained to a tiny brass counterweight. I paused, observing how the noon light shimmered across the curved wire weave. Taking my time, I nudged the suspended brass bead with my snout. It swung gently, tipping the mesh sphere down with a soft, bubbling ripple. The cool water slipped quietly into the hollow dome, and I rested my rounded chin against the smooth ceramic rim, watching tiny bubbles cling to the steel mesh.