The Lantern in the Window

The stars shone extra brightly through the window, but then the moon wasn't up yet.

That was the reason, of course. Too early for him to return.

She put some wood in the hearth to keep the stew at a simmer. Not enough to scorch, oh no. He wouldn't like that, and it would ruin the leftovers.

She'd already eaten, and it was nearly time for bed. He'd always said the fishing was good in the dark of the moon.

She put a lantern in the window for him to find his way home.

Perhaps tonight, he would come home.