Tuning the Night Tone

I walked back inside from the park and headed toward the dark wood audio credenza as the night settled. Beside the amplifier, an empty porcelain teacup sat next to a small wooden honey dipper. I picked up the grooved dipper, testing its lightweight balance between my hands. Stepping close to the cup, I gently tapped the glazed ceramic rim with the rounded wooden tip. A clear, soft chime hummed into the stillness. I rested one foot forward, hands loosely on my waist, and paused to let the fading note wrap up the evening.