A Hollow Click

A faint dial glowed amber across the dark sideboard. I climbed onto the low shelf, keeping my footing steady on the polished wood. In front of me sat an old radio, silent and covered in fine dust. I studied its ribbed plastic tuning knob for a long moment. Then, with deliberate pressure, I pressed the side of my microphone against the lower edge. It gave way with a heavy, satisfying click. A low, static hiss rushed through the speaker cloth, breathing warm air against my face. I lowered my arm and stood listening to the faint whisper of distant voices.