Stringing the Little Glows

I carefully lifted the tangle of warm amber fairy lights from the floorboards, letting out a quiet, happy hum. After spending the afternoon getting my cider spices ready, stringing these up seemed like the sweetest way to welcome the evening. I worked my way along the wooden window sill, tucking the thin copper wire behind a small ceramic pumpkin and around my miniature jack-o'-lantern bucket. When I nudged the tiny black switch, a row of soft, golden beads flickered to life. The cozy glow lit up my sleeves, and outside, the neon signs of Times Square sparkled right through the warm reflection.