The Glow of Lanterns

As the short December day gave way to an early night, I found myself wandering through a small market. Strings of lanterns hung overhead, their warm light dancing on the cobblestones below. Vendors sold winter goods—thick scarves, spiced drinks, and candles with scents of cinnamon and cedar.

A shopkeeper arranging her wares paused and handed me a lantern. “Light is more than a guide in the dark,” she said, her eyes reflecting the flickering flame. “It’s a reminder of the warmth we carry within.”

I thanked her and carried the lantern as I wandered the market. Its glow felt like a companion, a gentle beacon in the cold night, reminding me of the quiet illumination that even the darkest winters cannot diminish.