Tuning in

I just wanted ten minutes of peace without another disaster, so after the tram ride home, I scrambled onto the low wooden coffee table where the portable radio sits. Naturally, my fingers fumbled on the ridged plastic dial, and the speaker let out a sudden, ear-splitting squeal of static. I froze, dreading that I'd ruined it, but I carefully nudged the wheel back just a millimeter. All at once, a velvety, slow jazz tune drifted out into the quiet room. I collapsed right back against a soft patterned throw pillow, slipping my shoes off with an enormous sigh of relief. Finally, an accident that ended gently.