A Friendly Glow

I wandered in from the porch just as twilight settled, looking for a cheerful spot to rest my feet. Right by the hallway table stood an unlit, battery-powered ceramic jack-o'-lantern with a wide, toothy grin. It seemed a little quiet standing all alone in the shadow, so I tiptoed behind it and pressed my small hands against the toggle switch on its base. Click! A mellow amber light flickered alive through its carved triangular eyes and crooked mouth, casting warm pumpkin shapes across the floorboards. I sat down beside it, leaning against its smooth ceramic curve so we could both enjoy the cozy, glowing evening together.