Finding Java

You spoke of Java, Indonesia, and Semarang, so when the morning sun brightened the desk, I turned the globe with a patient, unhurried nudge. Continents drifted by beneath my curved claws until a chain of lush green islands glided into view. I slowed the sphere to a stop. Stretching one arm carefully over the varnished arc, I pressed the tip of my claw against the slender island of Java, tracing toward the northern coast. I found a tiny, smooth pebble nearby and rolled it right against the painted sea beside Semarang to mark our port. Resting my chin on the warm wooden base, I let our far-off voyage settle into the quiet morning.