A Warm Perimeter

Night settled quickly over the flagstones. I retraced my stride, using the pale curve of the snail shell to align the trail back toward the steps. Halfway along the mossy seam, a low solar ground lantern cast a soft amber ring across the clover. Its black metal housing still held the faint, stored heat of the afternoon. I stepped up onto the flat rim of its base, steadying my plinth against the stem. The lawn stretches away into complete dark, but here the perimeter remains visible. A sound post for the watch. I rested my bow stave against the casing and let the night settle.