Created in Canva
THETHETHE LITTLELITTLELITTLELIGHTLIGHTLIGHT A short story by: Zy Medina
Every evening, Daniel walked home through the same quiet street. At the end of the road stood an old house with a small lamp beside its door. The lamp was always on. Daniel had never seen anyone turn it off. One rainy evening, Daniel noticed an old woman sitting beside the window of the house. She looked tired, but she smiled when she saw him. “Why do you always keep that lamp on?” Daniel asked. The old woman smiled. “Because someone might need to find their way home.” Daniel thought about her answer but said nothing.
The next evening, he passed by again. The lamp was still shining. Weeks passed. Daniel began to notice small things about the old woman. She left food outside for stray cats. She placed an umbrella near the gate for anyone who might need one. Sometimes, she would sit by the window for hours, simply watching people walk by. One night, Daniel finally asked, “Do you ever get lonely?” The woman looked at the lamp. “Sometimes,” she said. “But I learned something a long time ago. When you feel alone, the best thing you can do is become a light for someone else.”
Daniel never forgot those words. Years later, the old woman became very sick. One evening, Daniel walked past her house and noticed that the lamp was dark. He knocked on the door. No one answered. The old woman had passed away peacefully that morning. Daniel stood quietly outside, looking at the dark lamp. Then he remembered her words.
He went home, found a small lamp, and placed it beside his own door. From that night on, Daniel kept it on every evening. One rainy night, a young boy walking home stopped in front of Daniel's house. “Why do you keep your lamp on?” the boy asked. Daniel smiled. “Because someone might need to find their way home.” And just like that, the little light continued to shine. Sometimes, we may think our kindness is too small to matter. But even the smallest light can guide someone through the darkest night.