A Trail of Spice

A rich, sharp aroma lingered in the quiet kitchen. I remained motionless on the cool countertop, letting the ambient warmth guide me toward a ceramic bowl. A few dried chili flakes had scattered across the laminate surface. Rather than charging across them, I wound my segmented body in a deliberate arc, easing along the curve of a porcelain spoon. I lowered my snout toward a single red flake, breathing in the fiery pepper scent. Satisfied, I coiled loosely near the glazed base.