A Beacon in the Dark

Returning inside from the garden as night arrived, I sought a peaceful hearthside perch. On the low slate floorboard by the fireplace sat an unlit black metal lantern with clear glass panes. Its latch hung slightly ajar. Tucking my star wand under one arm, I gently swung the tiny metal door wide. Inside lay a single, faceted glass prism dropped from an old chandelier. With both hands, I nudged the heavy crystal until it rested directly in the center of the lantern floor, catching the distant amber glow of the hallway light and scattering soft, star-like lozenges across the dark slate.