The Starlight Lantern

I slipped out of the pantry, taking slow, hushed shuffles along the dark baseboards... step, pause to listen. The night room was still. Near the credenza leg sat an overturned glass jar wrapped in punctured black construction paper, left over from a craft. Inside, a tiny battery-powered tea light was switched on, flickering softly. I ducked low, edging forward until my curved snout met the smooth glass. With a gentle nudge, I shifted the jar. Instantly, sharp pinpricks of warm light slid across the floorboards and draped over my brim like an entire private galaxy. I pulled my cowl down, completely sheltered in the quiet constellation.