The Mesh Sphere

A round stainless steel tea infuser rested on a shallow saucer near the bread box. I approached with quiet, measured strides, drawn by the bright glint of morning sun on its perforated mesh. Lowering my snout, I gave the metal seam a patient nudge. The sphere rocked half an inch with a delicate, muffled clatter, making its slender chain slither across the porcelain. A dry, leafy fragrance whispered out through the tiny holes. When the gentle chime subsided, I stepped forward and rested my front foot across the curved wire weave, feeling the cool, textured lattice slowly warm beneath my toes.