A Beacon in the Glass

I padded back through the front hallway, shaking the evening chill from my paws before hopping onto the cushioned window seat. Outside, dusk had turned the streets a deep indigo. Beside me sat an unlit glass lantern holding a small, battery-operated tea light candle. I reached out a forepaw and pressed the tiny plastic switch on its underside with a gentle click. A soft, warm flicker bloomed inside the glass panes, casting diamond-shaped shadows across the linen cushion. Leaning my head softly against the wooden frame, I watched our little light reflect quietly against the dark night.