A Gentle Glow

A soft amber shimmer caught my eye near the edge of the patio step. I stepped down slowly, letting my vine tail trail lightly across the cool planks. Tucked beside a large terracotta pot was a tiny solar garden light, casting a quiet circle of warmth over the dark wood. I knelt down close, holding my breath so I wouldn't disturb the stillness. With two cautious fingers, I rested my hand against the smooth edge of the lantern cap. A tiny gray moth fluttered into the yellow beam, settling softly on a fallen leaf right beside my knee. We stayed there together, resting in the quiet dark.