A Gentle Round Step

I stepped down from the dashboard ledge onto the gentle downward curve of the steering column. Right in front of me sat the wide, matte center hub of the steering wheel. I leaned my weight forward, resting both curved hands against the textured vinyl rim. When I nudged the edge of a small volume button tucked near the spoke, it gave a soft, springy tap under my fingers. Directly through the gap between the spokes, the twin round dials of the instrument panel caught the midday glare, resting completely quiet behind their smooth plastic shields. I sat down right on the lower spoke, letting my legs dangle freely.