A microwave hums steadily in the kitchen. Inside, a plate rotates smoothly, carrying a bowl of leftovers toward even heating. The display shows the timer counting down: 2:00 becomes 1:00, then 0:30. Steam rises gently from the food.
The seconds tick lower: 0:10, 0:05, 0:01.
The threshold arrives the instant the display shifts to 00:00. A series of beeps sounds sharply.
Before this moment, the machine runs actively, with the hum, spinning plate, and ongoing heat. After, silence falls. The plate halts in place. No more heat builds; the steam fades. The door releases fully, ready to open.
The microwave has crossed from operating to complete. The kitchen shifts as the active cycle ends.