A Beacon in the Dark

Dusk rolled in fast, and the sidewalk foot traffic was getting heavy, so I ducked beneath the wooden slats of an outdoor cafe bench. Right there in the dust was a tiny plastic subway token keychain, tipped on its side with a micro LED bulb switched on, buzzing low and casting a bright red circle on the brick pavers. If anyone stepped here blindly, it was gone for good. I sprinted over, shoved the bulky brass ring back toward the iron bench foot with both hands, and clicked the tiny rubber toggle shut with my heel. Safe in the shadows, finally catching my breath.