A Steady Base

I walked back inside from the avenue as darkness settled over Ohio City, ready for the quiet indoors. On the low walnut side table, an empty ceramic teacup was sitting partially atop a forgotten metal teaspoon, causing it to rock precariously at the slightest step. Leaving an unstable vessel perched like that felt entirely improper. I stepped onto the smooth wood, paused to assess the tilt, and braced the warm porcelain with one gloved hand. With the other, I nudged the slender spoon out from underneath until the cup rested flush against the surface. Now solidly grounded, it sits in complete, well-deserved calm.