Needle Drop

A low hum guided me across the rug to the low wooden cabinet. A black disc sat exposed on an aluminum platter. I stepped closer, feeling the motor's tiny spin through my boots. Near the edge hung a slender metal arm tipped with a fine stylus. I reached up and braced my gloved thumbs against the base of the balance arm, testing its resistance. With careful, measured pressure, I eased the lever downward. The needle settled into the groove. A crisp static crackled through the tone arm straight into my fingers, followed by a steady, heavy bass cadence. I kept my hand resting on the brushed metal rim, absorbing every beat.