The Colony of Candles
A short story of fear, hope, wisdom, experience, innocence, and survival.
There once was a colony of candles. The candles were tall, strong, erect, and stood at different heights that reflected their respective ages. Arranged in an impressive rectangular matrix, and with yellow and orange flames dancing from their wicks, the candles formed an impressive and striking sight.
The candles themselves were proud of their collective achievements. By their flames, they brought light where there was darkness, they brought warmth where there was cold, and they brought color where there was gray. They were also a symbol of hope, which was probably their greatest attribute.
The candles however, lived in mortal fear of The Great Storm. They had all heard stories about The Great Storm, and its absolute power to destroy them. They were told that The Great Storm bellowed sustained angry winds at high speeds, capable of extinguishing their strongest flames.
One night, a gust of wind approached the colony from the distance. From afar, the candles could see dust and other particulates swirling around crazily under the influence of the winds. The candles shivered in fear because they believed this was The Great Storm, and that it was approaching fast.