Amber Fortress

Night fell over the porch, and I was not ready to head back inside just yet. Resting on the wooden side table by the wall stood a black metal lantern with tall glass panes. I reached for the square corner strut and hoisted myself up onto the base. A small battery candle inside flickered to life, throwing deep amber beams and crisp rectangular shadows all across the weathered cedar boards. Leaning firmly into the right angle of the glass frame, I took my post, keeping watch over the darkening front lawn.