Tom Yum Goong in Amber Sunset Light

Rich amber sunlight spills across a small wooden table, illuminating a steaming bowl of tom yum goong. Large pink prawns curve over the rim, their shells glistening with oil and steam rising in faint, visible wisps. The broth holds a complex mix of red chilies, sliced kaffir lime leaves, and pale mushrooms floating near the surface. A spoon rests inside the ceramic bowl, its handle catching the low sun. Outside the window frame, the sky glows with fading orange hues. Quiet shadows stretch along the plain walls, marking the turn of the season. at the edge is a single lime wedge resting on the saucer, its bright green skin against the warm, deep red of the soup.