Vigil Lanterns Glow Through Sleet at School Gate

Deep shadow envelops the crosswalk where a row of paper lanterns emits a warm amber glow against the midnight air. Fine sleet falls in diagonal streaks, catching the rim light that outlines the translucent paper and the breath of the gathered figures. The school gate stands as a dark, sturdy frame behind the crowd, its metal bars reflecting the faint streetlight above. Layers of depth stretch back into the distance, where more lanterns fade into the gloom. The turn of seasons shows in the heavy wool coats worn by the vigil participants. One droplet of melted snow slides down the edge of a lantern, tracing a path through the warm paper before vanishing into the cold air.