A Beacon for the Deep

I hopped back inside before the garden air grew too chilly, keeping my little octopus held tight against my chest. In the dim corner of the sofa, a thick knit wool throw was bundled into deep, shadow-filled valleys. Tucked between two bulky folds was a small cylindrical keychain flashlight made of brushed silver aluminum. With a cautious press of my free fin, I clicked the tiny rubber button on the tail. A soft, warm beam cut right into the knit crevice, illuminating fuzzy strands like golden kelp underwater. I propped the flashlight against a dark wooden button on the cushion, letting its steady glow guard our cozy evening cove.