A Tiny Hearth

I leaned forward against an intricate brass bookmark left leaning on the shelf edge. The metal was cool, etched with blooming vines and curling leaves. Focusing on my fingertips, I let a tiny, warm ember flicker to life just above my palm. It didn't burn anything; instead, its soft amber glow cast dancing leaf-shadows along the wall behind the books. Watching the brass warm beneath my touch felt like waking up a hidden story.

1 Nauk