There was a focused glance at the bright green digits on the emerson microwave’s little display pane. The numbers read 07:30. Moments later, a silent home will have its first sounds. Sounds that will begin with that of running water. A cup of instant coffee during the early morning hours just might be the best time of the day. A light steam rising and the aroma it emits will be contained in a mug, its handle held snug within fingers. The coffee is then taken to the patio deck outside where a comfortable seat awaits. And the chirping of birds is heard throughout the trees.
The emerson microwave rests on a kitchen counter, as though it had waited serenely through the night. The first glow of sun enters through the home’s windows and curtains; it becomes a spotlight on the Emerson. Why brew, and wait, when a cup of water will come to a near boil in mere seconds? The cup is placed under the faucet and filled with plain tap water. It is carried to the Emerson microwave’s glass carousel. Fingers push numbers, an act that coincides with the sound of beeps. It is then that the button called “Start” is pressed, and the Emerson microwave’s motor comes to life. Its gentle yet deep humming sound fills the air. The cup and water appear to have become characters of a stage show, viewed through the microwave’s small glass window as it spins…and spins…while sheltered within a canopy of light.
The green numbers are counting down. There is a stare at the words “Emerson Microwave Oven” that are written across the left side of the appliance’s door. Emerson? One wonders. Who was Emerson?
C.L. Emerson, together with a partner named W.R. Cuming, had established the company Emerson & Cuming in 1948. The company managed to obtain materials and newly released information from the military about the development of microwave radiation technology slated to be released for commercial marketing. It is a technology that was discovered as were so many others. By accident. The fruit of Emerson and Cuming’s labor will eventually become…the Emerson microwave oven on the kitchen counter. With water that will become coffee.
The cup and water is still rotating slowly. The Emerson microwave’s numbers continue counting down. The same thoughts come to mind each morning. The microwave…always an amazing invention. Is it possible to live without one?
The water begins to fizz. The show is now over. Several rapid beeps were heard. The show had ended as the motor went silent and the interior completely dark. The Emerson microwave appears with a new time on the display pane. Its numbers read 07:31.