flicker
In the time it took to begin to write this entry to say that the first night's candles were nearly out, the center one went out. The other will probably be exhausted before I even manage to hit save.
I didn't think I'd have the heart to light them in the first place, but in the end it turned out I didn't have the heart not to.
I gave him a get out jail free card, an eight day do not pass go, do not collect $200 sort of thing. I know that he won't use it. He's not really in jail and wherever he is, he doesn't want out. I suppose I didn't really think that he needed to escape. It was more to say that if there's ever going to be a time (which there isn't), what time could be better than now? Now, watching the candles bid their good night, I'm touching that part of me that still hopes for a miracle.
Norbu was of course delighted to light the candles tonight. My only hope is that, unlike tonight, he doesn't drop one once it's been lit when tomorrow's time comes. (You can't see me smiling at the thought of Norbu's joy in this ritual so you'll just have to trust that I am.)
It's just barely there but it doesn't look like it's going anywhere, the remaining flicker. Perhaps I'll end up with an evening miracle after all.