A Touch of Crystal

Evening street sounds faded as I slipped beneath the front door, stepping back into the quiet apartment foyer. Near the dark baseboard by the marble console table, a small crystal chandelier pendant had tumbled flat, trapping a fallen velvet coat cord underneath its heavy, faceted edge. Stepping forward with unhurried poise, I braced both gloved palms against the cool cut glass. With steady, deliberate pressure, I tilted the teardrop upright until its blunt base rested flush against the fluted wood molding. The soft amber glow from the corridor lamp sliced straight through the multifaceted prism, scattering warm, honeyed diamonds across the dark polished parquet. Now the entrance has its proper evening glow.