In the back of an old workshop, Souichi gently breathed on a tiny wick.
A pale light flickered, casting the shadows of well-worn tools onto the walls.
For many years, he had lived quietly, repairing lanterns throughout the city.
One night, a knock echoed at his door.
“I’m sorry to come so late…”
It was a young girl with chestnut hair down to her shoulders and large, earnest eyes.
She introduced herself as Rena, her small hands clenched tightly.
“I want you to make me a lantern that can trap shadows.”
Souichi furrowed his brow.
A lantern that traps shadows—such a request was beyond strange.
She explained that in her village, people vanished after nightfall.
By morning, only their shadows remained. And by the next night, even those would disappear.
“My mom and dad… they’re gone. There’s no one left.”
Something stirred in Souichi’s chest.
He had once been a craftsman with a rare technique—the art of shaping light and shadow. He had once crafted lamps for royal palaces. But times changed, and he faded into obscurity.
Still, Rena’s story awakened a forgotten part of him.
“…I might be able to do it.”
Souichi retrieved an old pane of glass from the back of his workshop.
It was a special kind, soaked in rare solution, layered with filtered light. A glass capable of harboring shadows.
Over the next few days, he worked with utmost care, constructing the lantern.
Its inner surface was etched with intricate patterns. When light passed through it, the shadows caught inside would not fade.
Lantern in hand, Souichi and Rena traveled to her village.
It was silent.
No faces at the windows, no sounds from the homes.
Instead, human silhouettes clung to walls and floors—abandoned shadows of those who had vanished.
Souichi lit the lantern.
In that moment, the shadows trembled.
As though they had just awakened.
“…Rena.”
A faint voice echoed.
The lantern’s light illuminated the shadows, giving them faint forms—whispers of the vanished people drifted through the night breeze.
Tears welled in Rena’s eyes as she stepped before a shadow.
“…Mom?”
The shadow swayed… and seemed to smile gently.
Souichi murmured:
“Shadows are remnants of the soul. If the light is true, they might return.”
He adjusted the lantern’s glow, carefully restoring each shadow.
One by one, the villagers regained faint, shimmering forms—until they stood before Rena once more.
“…Thank you.”
When Rena embraced the lantern, the village lights softly began to flicker back to life.
That night, the village was once again bathed in light.
