A Pinch of Paprika

I nudged my metal skewer closer along the wooden countertop until I reached the small glass jars by the stove. One of the lids was slightly loose, releasing the sweet, earthy aroma of smoked paprika into the quiet evening air. Leaning carefully against a ceramic salt cellar, I dusted a stray flake of paprika across my crisp glaze, feeling pleasantly seasoned and settled. The leftover heat radiating from the oven kept the corner wonderfully warm, making it the perfect resting spot for the night.