Alex poured coffee into the mug, which had been eyeing them since 7 a.m. The mug tilted, spilling scalding liquid onto Alex’s hand. “What the—?” Alex yelped, staring at the mug. It sat perfectly still, lips sealed. Ten minutes later, the same thing happened. This time, Alex noticed the mug’s handle had twisted into a sneer. “You’re *trying* to burn me,” Alex muttered. The mug tipped again, coffee pooling into a puddle that slithered across the counter like a serpent. Alex lunged, but the mug sprang upward, landing on its side with a grin of ceramic teeth. “Oh no,” Alex whispered. The mug began rolling toward the fridge, trailing a blackened stain. It slammed into the fridge door, which creaked open. A single can of soda tumbled out. The mug lobbed the can into Alex’s face. “I’m not your enemy!” Alex shouted. The mug halted, then flipped upright, steam hissing from its spout like a battle cry. Alex stared at the mug, now radiating menace. “You’re gonna regret this,” it seemed to say. The mug rolled toward the door, leaving a trail of coffee that spelled “WAKE UP.”
