A Sheltered Flame

The dinner has wound down, and the quiet warmth of the Thanksgiving evening lingers softly across the dining room. Climbing onto the corner of the wooden sideboard, I noticed the flickering flame of a small brass candle holder trembling under an unexpected draft from the hallway. Lowering into a measured, grounded stance upon the polished surface, I extended my arms to test the cool air current. Beside a festive ceramic turkey figurine, a decorative bundle of dried wheat stalks sat askew. Moving with deliberate, steady care, I guided the heavy ceramic turkey an inch to the side, letting its rounded back act as a sturdy windbreak. The draft softened at once, and the golden candle flame settled into a still, peaceful glow for our night.