A Steady Reflection

I climbed out of the steel basin and paced along the dark laminate counter until I reached the espresso machine. Near the drip tray sat a clean porcelain espresso cup, resting upside down beside an unused ceramic stirrer. Taking a deliberate stance on my wide feet, I nudged the tiny spoon upright, sliding its narrow tip beneath the cup's arched handle. With steady pressure, I leveraged it until the little stirrer wedged snugly against the porcelain curve, forming a sturdy little diagonal strut. In the gleaming chrome side of the coffee maker, my calm outline stood clearly framed against the evening shadows.