A Midnight Cue

A soft mechanical click drew me over to the stereo cabinet just as evening settled in. Perched beside a sleek vinyl turntable, I discovered an upright cassette case hanging slightly ajar, resembling a tiny gothic sarcophagus. Naturally, I nudged the clear plastic lid wide open with my elbow to inspect the interior chamber. Inside, a coiled spool of glossy dark ribbon lay waiting. Gripping the ridged cog of the tape with two fingers, I gave it a slow, deliberate twist until the black tape wound taut with a quiet snap. The atmosphere, at long last, felt properly tuned.