diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index cc64846..fba4e2a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ A simple Obsidian plugin that creates interactive number counters with +/- butto
 To create a counter, use the following syntax in your notes:
 
 ```
-~ (0) counter label
+~ ( ) counter label
 ```
 
 This will render as an interactive counter starting at 0, with minus and plus buttons to decrease or increase the value.
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@ This will render as an interactive counter starting at 0, with minus and plus bu
 ## Examples
 
 ```
-~ (0) Tasks completed
-~ (5) Days streak
-~ (100) Points earned
+~ ( ) Tasks completed
+~ ( ) Days streak
+~ ( ) Points earned
 ```
 
-Each counter is independent and maintains its own value in your markdown file.
+Each counter is independent and maintains its own value in your markdown file. When you click the +/- buttons, the value is updated in the source markdown.
 
 ## Installation
 
diff --git a/main.ts b/main.ts
index 64e3caf..5859d50 100644
--- a/main.ts
+++ b/main.ts
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ export default class CounterPlugin extends Plugin {
 	}
 
 	processCounters(element: HTMLElement, context: MarkdownPostProcessorContext) {
-		const counterRegex = /^~\s*\(\s*(\d+)\s*\)\s*(.*)$/;
+		const counterRegex = /^~\s*\(\s*(\d*)\s*\)\s*(.*)$/;
 		const walker = document.createTreeWalker(element, NodeFilter.SHOW_TEXT);
 		const nodesToReplace: Array<{ node: Node; parent: Node }> = [];
 
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ export default class CounterPlugin extends Plugin {
 				const match = line.match(counterRegex);
 
 				if (match) {
-					const currentValue = parseInt(match[1], 10);
+					const currentValue = match[1] === '' ? 0 : parseInt(match[1], 10);
 					const label = match[2].trim();
 
 					const counterContainer = this.createCounterElement(
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ export default class CounterPlugin extends Plugin {
 
 			const editor = view.editor;
 			const content = editor.getValue();
-			const counterRegex = /^~\s*\(\s*\d+\s*\)\s*(.*)$/gm;
+			const counterRegex = /^~\s*\(\s*\d*\s*\)\s*(.*)$/gm;
 
 			let matchIndex = 0;
 			const newContent = content.replace(counterRegex, (match, capturedLabel) => {