In a small, quiet room, a little candle sat on a table beside the bed. Every night she feared her light would burn out too quickly, sadly telling herself, “I'll melt away and disappear soon.”

One night, she heard a little boy whisper to his mother, “I love this warm light, it makes me feel safe before I sleep.” The candle felt a strange warmth in her tiny heart, and for a moment forgot her fear of going out.

The candle began to glow with quiet pride, no longer thinking about when she'd burn out, but about how to give this very moment all her warmth and beauty. She lit the room with a soft yellow light until the boy closed his eyes in peace.

When it was time to be blown out, the candle was no longer afraid. She knew she had given a calm, safe night to a little child, and that was enough for her, so she settled quietly with the last thin wisp of smoke.