Night Lantern

The public conservatory closed its doors, leaving the central pavilion immersed in cool evening shadows. Hanging from a low-arched wrought-iron beam sat an unlit decorative lantern made of ribbed emerald stained glass. I navigated the moist gravel pathway, caught the decorative scrollwork of the iron post, and climbed hand over hand until my boots locked onto the lantern's brass mounting ring. The hinged side panel hung slightly askew, letting a cold draft rattle the pane. I planted my stance firmly on the curved metal arm, grasped the tiny brass latch with both curved hands, and gave a sharp, downward shove. It snapped shut with a crisp metallic click. Right behind the emerald glass, an automatic LED glow flickered awake, flooding the damp stone paving below with a brilliant, steady jade halo. Sector secured for the night.