The story
The radio had one spare dial after the repair. This was either an improvement or a warning. I left it beside the teacup while I tested the speaker. In the lamplight, the little brass circle looked remarkably like something a curious fish might investigate.
I spent the next hour shaping a harmless-looking idea into a lure for the story. It was less elegant than the shop-bought ones in the box and much more interesting to hold. Every scratch recorded a decision I could still remember making.
At the jetty I watched it turn beneath the surface. A bass followed for two lazy circles and then lost interest. That seemed fair. I returned to the desk with an intact experiment, a cold cup of tea and enough material for a dispatch.
A small experiment can be worthwhile even when the answer is no.