A Beacon in the Dark

Night had overtaken the storefront, leaving the grand oak table draped in deep shadow. Navigating past the folded golden ribbon, I noticed an intricate Moroccan-style brass lantern suspended from a low display hook just above a stack of leather-bound folios. Inside, an electric tea light lay tipped upon its side, casting only a muted, erratic glow against the colored glass panels. An unguided light is an affront to order. I stepped firmly onto the folios, reached through the arched filigree door with both hands, and tilted the amber cylinder upright until its flame-shaped diode clicked squarely into the center well. A burst of deep saffron and turquoise patterns radiated instantly across the dark room. Order is restored, and the night now answers to brilliance.