Rough Amber Heat

I climbed onto the low wooden side table, drawn by a steady peach-colored glow in the corner. A heavy chunk of carved rock salt rested there, lit softly from within. I approached with quiet, measured strides across the dark wood, pausing an inch from its craggy flank. A dry, gentle heat breathed outward from the crystal. Lowering my head, I touched the coarse mineral facet with the tip of my snout. It felt gritty, solid, and pleasantly hot. I eased my chest flat against the sloped crystal base, tucked my front toes under me, and let the quiet amber light bathe my back.