Centered in the Iron Mesh

I slipped back inside from the shed, leaving the dark garden to the wind. Up on the walnut side table, an antique iron tea-light lantern stood cold in the shadows. Its arched wire door hung slightly unlatched, and the thin aluminum candle tin inside had drifted crooked against the glass panel. I climbed over the wooden edge to reach it. Bracing both boots against the dark iron base, I nudged the lightweight metal cup until it settled flush into its circular center groove. It seated with a muted, metallic click. With the door swung shut, the lantern stands balanced. I leaned back against the corner strut, letting the house go still.