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Donated by a lodging house that kept its guest book in steam instead of ink.

The Kettle That Brews the Weather of Past Visits

An enamel kettle records the weather outside each time a visitor was offered tea. When boiled, it releases a small cloud of that afternoon into the room, along with the smell of wet coats drying by the door.

Shelter returnedCounted as a guest

Linked outcome

An afternoon comes back indoors

Steam gathers under the ceiling into a low, patient drizzle. A coat is drying by a door that is not there, and a voice asks whether you are staying for a second cup. You are counted.

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