Dropping the Needle

I hopped up onto the media console to get the soundtrack right for the night. Resting right beside the amplifier was a massive pair of studio monitor headphones, coiled cords sprawling like heavy chains across the shelf. I braced my boots against the dark wood veneer, locked both hands onto the knurled metal volume dial of the receiver, and gave it a firm, steady twist clockwise. The indicator light snapped from faint amber to sharp electric blue, sending a muted bass rumble vibrating straight through the shelf under my soles. Now the whole room has the proper bounce.