Catching Star Beams

I stepped back inside across the wooden threshold, drawn toward the soft glow near the low shelf. A small ceramic dome was resting against the baseboard, warm light spilling out through dozens of tiny punched star holes. I trotted straight over and touched its curved side with both palms. The ceramic felt smooth and gently warm. On the floorboards, sharp little stars of yellow light lay scattered in an open ring. I knelt down, lifted my capped blue marker with both hands, and held the rounded top right into the brightest beam. A neat glowing star settled across the blue cap. I paused, keeping my grip steady to hold the light.