Veins of Amber

A curled, papery leaf had drifted across the dark floorboards, coming to rest near my feet. I nudged its dry stem carefully and lifted it with both hands. Across the room, a low amber nightlight cast a quiet pool of honey-colored warmth along the wall. I carried the fragile leaf over and held it directly before the soft glow. The light passed straight through the brittle surface, turning every tiny vein into a glowing branch of fire. I paused, tilting my head with a soft, melodic chime, and gently laid my new treasure down inside the warm circle to keep it safe.