Lantern and Candle and Mouse.

I sit quietly so as not to disturb them.

They are tiny.

Small.

Demi versions of larger objects.

Miniatures from a dollhouse.

A lantern.

A candle.

They are talking but I can't make out what they are saying.

Quietly.

I slide my chair out and slump onto the floor.

I place my ear to the bottom of the table.

Listening.

Gently.

Lantern is pacing back and forth.

Wondering.

Questioning.

Pondering something.

Finally Lantern stops.

Turns to candle.

And says,

"Okay, yes."

"Are you sure?" asks Candle.

"Yes, please." Lantern assures.

I peek my eyes back up, over the edge of the table.

Lantern had opened one of his sides and Candle is crawling in.

There was a quick burst.

Brilliant light.

Then a flickering.

Then a strong, stable flame.

A light within Lantern.

Lantern burst with pride.

He smiles.

laughs.

Stares at the light for a long time.

He admires his light.

Brightly shining from within.

For all to see.

Then, Lantern ran.

He jumped from table to chair.

Chair to floor.

Sprinting.

He crossed the floor quickly.

Coming upon a hole at the base of the wall.

If you were of his size you might think this hole to be the entrance to a cave.

Dark within.

Lantern yells.

"MOUSE! MOUSE! COME AND SEE!"

After a moment or two a small, white mouse appears.

Timid at first.

But then more assured.

"Oh Lantern, it's brilliant!"

Her blue eyes widening.

She smiles.

Reaches out and touches lantern.

"I want to share this with you. Always. Forever."

says Lantern.

Mouse looks at Lantern.

Lantern gazes at Mouse.

"Do you promise to never let it go out?"

asks Mouse.

"I do."

promises Lantern.