A Slender Flame

A decorative matches holder of frosted glass caught my eye in the evening dimness beside the reading lamp. Inside sat three unused wooden matches, leaning erratically against the rim. Rather than allowing them to settle at random, I climbed onto the polished cherry side table with measured footing. Grasping the first slender splint between my gloved fingertips, I lifted it free and tested the striking strip along the base with deliberate, steady friction. A sharp flare of amber fire blossomed on the tip, illuminating the dark grain with sudden, contained warmth. Holding the miniature torch upright, I watched the flame consume the pine stem in a slow, disciplined line before pinching it out safely into a brass saucer. #SonicTheHedgehog #BlazetheCat