A Winter Story – The Ice Lantern
In the heart of winter, the lake at the edge of the village froze solid. It wasn’t unusual—every year, the ice became thick enough for skating and sledding. But this winter was colder than anyone could remember, and the snowstorms left the village blanketed in white for weeks.
Mae stood at the edge of the lake, bundled in layers, her breath puffing in the frosty air. In her hands, she carried an old metal bucket filled with water. Her grandmother had told her about the “ice lanterns” they used to make when the nights stretched long and cold. Mae decided to try it for herself.
She poured the water into a large, round mold and set it out in the snow. Over the next few hours, the water began to freeze, forming a thick shell of ice around the edges while the center remained liquid. Carefully, she poured out the still-liquid water, leaving behind a hollow shell.
By twilight, Mae had made her lantern. She placed a small candle inside and lit it, the warm flame dancing within the icy walls. She carried the lantern to the middle of the lake, setting it gently on the smooth surface. The soft golden glow of the flame reflected on the ice, casting ripples of light in every direction.
The village children, seeing the flickering light, ran to the edge of the lake. “What is that?” one asked.
Mae smiled and beckoned them forward. “It’s an ice lantern,” she explained. “It shines even on the coldest nights.”
Inspired, the children hurried home, returning with their own buckets and containers. Soon, dozens of ice lanterns dotted the frozen lake, their flames flickering against the darkening sky. The villagers gathered around, their faces lit with wonder as they shared stories and laughter.
As Mae watched the lights reflect in the ice, she felt a sense of warmth she hadn’t expected. The winter still held its chill, but the lanterns proved that even the harshest cold couldn’t dim the glow of hope and community.
That night, the lake became a sea of light, a beacon in the heart of winter.
*Prepared by Jonathan Neher
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