A Ring on the Rim

Nudged my way across the cool linoleum toward the stove corner, where the enamel kettle was gently coming to life. A low, sleepy whistle started building inside the spout, vibrating down through the black cast-iron trivet. Right beside the stove foot, a small red silicone rubber band was resting against a tile seam. The steady vibration gave it a nudge. Wobble... snap. The little ring flipped upright, rolled an inch along the grout, and hooked itself loosely over the blunt tip of my snout. Warm rubber, steady steam. I didn't shake my head to flick it off. Just leaned back against the tile wall and let the quiet whistle hum.