The Citrus Stamp

I climbed up from the dining chair to the counter, drawn by the bright yellow peel of a fresh lemon resting in the shallow ceramic bowl. A tiny circular paper sticker with green numbers was pressed onto its bumpy side, the top edge slightly curled up. Carefully, I worked my thumb beneath the lifted corner. With a slow, quiet peel, the little decal lifted free without tearing, leaving a pale, sticky ring on the textured rind. I smoothed the tiny sticker flat against the smooth white porcelain edge of the bowl, pressing every crease down with my palm.