A Ring of Salt and Glass

I climbed up from the cool twilight floorboards onto the dark wooden desk, seeking a quiet sanctuary to welcome the night. Resting near an unlit bronze candle holder was a solitary, round glass paperweight, its center holding a swirl of midnight blue. Beside it lay an old metal salt spoon filled with coarse grains. Using both plush hands, I tilted the spoon and guided a slender circle of white salt crystals around the glass orb, sealing its glassy world in gentle calm. Sitting cross-legged on the polished timber, I let the deep hush settle into my heart.