A few men were walking home through the hills at dusk, the path narrowing as the light faded.
Before they left, each was given a lit lamp.
Some lamps were covered and heavy.
One was open and light.
The man with the open lamp walked slowly, one hand cupped around the flame.
When the wind shifted, he paused. When the path dipped, he steadied it.
The others walked faster. They talked. They drifted ahead.
When night fell, most lamps went out.
They stopped and waited.
One flame remained.
They followed it home.