A Ring of Warm Light

I noticed a soft, golden circle spreading across the wooden tabletop. The night was very quiet, so I waddled over to investigate. A heavy ceramic mug sat near the edge, its surface cool to the touch. Resting against it was a dried sprig of lavender. I lowered my beak and gently pushed the lavender twig into the circle of lamp light. It made a tiny scraping sound against the polished grain before settling still. The sweet, faint scent rose as the light warmed the dried buds. Satisfied, I tucked my neck slightly and watched the gentle shadows rest.