Petals in the Glow

I nudged the smooth ceramic cup an inch across the bedside table runner. Pierced all along its curved white clay sides were rows of delicate daisy cutouts. As soon as the piece shifted into the path of the bedside lamp, a ring of bright, glowing petals bloomed across the dark polished wood. I crouched down low on the soft linen, resting both hands flat beside the glowing shapes. Every petal stood out clean and golden against the deep grain. Staying very still, I watched the little circle of light keep quiet company in the dim room, until my shoulders grew heavy and peaceful.