In Annie's kitchen, the cups begin whispering after dark. Tonight, Mrs Dot has a secret, and it is hidden somewhere in the cupboard.
In Annie's quiet kitchen, just after sunset, the shelf above the sink gave a tiny creak.
While Mum and Dad were busy reading to Annie's little sister in the next room, the cups waited very still. Then, when no one was looking, they began to whisper.
Porcelain Philip leaned towards the green Pea Mug, who had a bright painted smile.
"It's time," Philip whispered.
Pea Mug shivered with excitement, though he tried to look brave.
"Really? Today?" he asked. "Is it finally the day?"
Before Philip could answer, Mrs Dot wobbled forward. Her little painted spots glimmered in the dim light.
"Quickly," she said. "Into a row. All of you."
The mugs shuffled and clinked softly across the shelf. Old Chlupcio, who usually yawned and dozed, suddenly stood up straight.
"I am ready," he said in a voice much sharper than usual.
"Good," said Mrs Dot. "When the kitchen is dark and the humans are asleep, I will tell you the secret at the bottom of the cupboard."
At once, the cups fell silent.
Even the tiniest teaspoon seemed to hold its breath.
One by one, the mugs lined up neatly near the edge of the shelf, their handles turned like listening ears. Annie's kitchen looked normal from the doorway. The kettle sat still. The plates stayed in their rack. The jar of biscuits did not move.
But the cups knew better.
Something was waiting below them in the cupboard. Something Mrs Dot had never told them before.
Then, with a soft click, the kitchen light went out.
The shelf went dark.
And from the cupboard below came the slow sound of something tapping back.