The Last Lantern

For thirty years, Elias had tended the lantern alone.ⓘFor thirty years, Elias had tended the lantern alone. Each evening he climbed the iron spiral stairs with the same deliberate reverence one might show a cathedral.ⓘEach evening he climbed the iron spiral stairs with the same deliberate reverence one might show a cathedral.

On the night the stranger arrived, the sea was unusually silent.ⓘOn the night the stranger arrived, the sea was unusually silent. The man stood at the door dripping salt water yet showing no chill.ⓘThe man stood at the door dripping salt water yet showing no chill. " I have come to relieve you, keeper, " he said softly. " The lantern may now go dark. "ⓘ"I have come to relieve you, keeper," he said softly. "The lantern may now go dark." Elias looked past him at the inky horizon and felt something ancient settle inside his chest.ⓘElias looked past him at the inky horizon and felt something ancient settle inside his chest. He nodded once, as if receiving an expected guest, and for the first time in three decades he let the flame die.ⓘHe nodded once, as if receiving an expected guest, and for the first time in three decades he let the flame die.