The Perfect Match

The scratch followed quickly by a slight hissing sound produced a tiny torch of light in the gloomy dusk. Touched to the bedside candle, the wick caught and a flame roared up.

Now he understood why the modern hotel, appointed with so many nice amenities, had also supplied the rooms with several candles and a big box of matches. Electricity was still unreliable in the post-communist country.

The weary traveler settled in a chair, a book in his lap. As he sat in the circle of flickering light, he thought about his wife. She hated it when he was away from home. He stood and slipped the box of matches into his luggage.

When his wife asked him why he'd brought matches home from his trip, he would whisper in her ear; "Because they reminded me of how beautiful you are in candlelight."

Fifteen years and many business trips later, she still kept the box of matches.

Check Willow's Magpie Tales for more stories inspired by her photo prompt.