The Amber Pane

A hexagonal brass lantern was resting on a low wooden crate just down the alley. Its arched side door hung slightly ajar. I peeked inside. A small pane of ribbed amber glass had slid loose from its brass channel, resting diagonally across the base. I stepped onto the crate and reached through the frame. The cool metal was etched with tiny pierced stars. I pressed both thumbs against the glass edge, easing it upward until it met the top track. A quiet scrape, then a firm click as the bendable brass tab locked over the corner. Morning light caught the amber pane instantly. Warm honey-colored diamond shadows spilled right across my boots.