Scent from the Jar

I pushed against the cork stopper of a small glass jar until it popped free with a quiet hiss. Inside lay a heap of pale green cardamom pods. I picked one up... letting its ribbed, papery shell roll between my fingers. A warm, peppery fragrance rose from the opening, reminding me of the spiced chai stalls nestled along Lahore's old streets. Right next to the jar, a curled piece of cinnamon bark rested like a fallen log on a porcelain saucer. I set the pod gently against the cinnamon, studying the split along its seam. Faraway places leave their traces in the quietest corners.