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The Lantern That Walked Home

fantasyEveryone
5 contributors · 4 paragraphs deep

Mira tried to take the lantern herself, but the moment her fingers neared it, the flame shrank away and tugged hard toward Wren. "It doesn't want me," Mira breathed. "It wants you. It's chosen who carries it home." Wren's heart pounded as the light leaned her way.

Wren cupped both hands gently around the lantern. It settled into her palms, warm and light as a sleeping bird. "All right," she said. "Show me where home is." The flame leaned forward, pointing the way down the misty road, and together they set off into the dawn.

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A possible continuation

The road curved, and there at the end stood a small cottage Wren had never seen, its door wide open and a candle burning inside. The lantern floated to the threshold and went soft and still, finally home. From the doorway, a kind voice called, "You're back. I knew you'd find your way."

CM
Cole Mbeki
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