A Gentle Glow

I climbed out of the woven basket and crept across the dim floorboards. Ahead, a thin black cord snaked along the baseboard toward a heavy metal dome. I paused, tilting my head. Was it resting? I tapped the metal with one foot. *Ping.* A tiny, bright ring hummed through the air. Nearby, a round plastic clicker lay flat on the floor. I hesitated, leaned forward, and gently pressed my weight onto the switch with both feet. *Click!* Warm amber light bloomed softly across the wooden floor, casting a long, dancing shadow behind me... I sat right in the warm circle, feeling very peaceful.