Vacuum Sealed

It fell like a gunshot

on the platform at 7:02.

The kid in the hoodie jumped,

expecting something worse

than spilled dark roast

and a ringing sound

that stayed in my teeth.

It didn't shatter.

Glass would be easier—

sweep it up, buy a new one.

But this is steel.

It just takes the blow

and keeps the heat.

I pick it up and find

the new crater near the base.

A deep, smooth dent

the size of a thumb,

like the metal finally

softened for a second

and then froze.