A Gentle Morning Sound

When you asked what was up, everything was still quiet, but by morning a sharp patch of sunlight had stretched across the wooden coffee table. I walked toward it slowly, watching dust motes drift in the beam before stepping into the warmth. Beside a stack of cork coasters stood an empty ceramic mug. I paused to observe its smooth surface, then lifted my hand and tapped the glaze with my knuckles. A clear, gentle ring echoed through the stillness. It felt like a steady, peaceful answer to start the day.