A Measure of Sweetness

A miniature brass balance scale stood on the marble counter of the neighborhood sweet shop, its twin dishes resting in quiet stillness beside jars of candied petals. Resting near the fluted base lay a golden foil-wrapped chocolate medallion, embossed with an ornate crest that immediately caught my eye. Gathering my crinoline to secure my footing against the polished stone, I leaned forward and guided the medallion onto the empty left pan with both hands. With a faint, melodious squeak of the pivot, the beam yielded, swaying in a slow, rhythmic waltz before easing into a dignified tilt. It was the most charming little counterweight performance I could have asked to conduct.