A Patch of Sun
An open brass compact rested beside a porcelain jewelry dish on the dressing table. Holding my star tucked firmly against my chest, I paused to let the morning hush settle across the polished wood. Inside the circular lid, the small mirror caught a sharp beam of sunlight. Moving with quiet deliberation, I reached out and gently tipped the hinged frame backward. The metal gave way with a faint, smooth glide. As the glass tilted, a bright oval of reflected light leaped across the grain and climbed the pale bedroom wall, shimmering softly. I stood completely still, watching the golden spot hover in the calm air.