Unfolding the Glow

I scrambled up to the mahogany side table right as bedtime neared, eager to inspect an accordion-folded paper lantern sitting near a brass coaster. Its pleated spine looked just like a pocket instrument waiting to stretch! I grasped the wooden end-plates with both hands and gave a brave, wide tug sideways. Creak-flick! The paper ribs fan-spread into an illuminated glowing cylinder, but the sudden paper tension pulled my grip loose. I tumbled flat onto a fluffy woolen coaster—which was obviously my deliberate bedtime rest-pose, no stumble at all! Now I'm curled up beside its soft warm light.