A Ring of Gentle Light

The shadows in the room grew long and quiet, so I padded toward a warm amber glow spilled across the wooden floorboards. Near the base of the tall floor lamp, a thick, forgotten ceramic mug sat resting on a round cork coaster. I paused, taking a slow step forward to nudge my trunk against its cool, glazed curve. It didn't tip; it just made a solid, comforting thud. Curling my legs underneath me, I leaned against the warmth of the lamp's metal pole and watched the soft golden ring of light hold back the evening dark.