As you peruse these lines, take a moment to contemplate the impact that light has upon your existence. From the brilliance of a sunset to the practicality of a lightbulb, it is the humble things that bear great significance.

As the day bleeds into nightfall, the sky transforms into a magnificent tapestry of colours, ranging from blazing reds and oranges to gentle pinks and purples. Our senses become keenly attuned to every rustle in the outbacks, every creaking floorboard, and every gust of wind. The once-vibrant world is now shrouded in obscurity, and familiar landmarks and objects become enshrouded in shadow. As the darkness deepens, our senses become heightened, and the world takes on an ethereal and mystical quality as if anything is possible in the dark.

Yet, when lights illuminate the night, it breathes new life into the darkness creating a canvas of infinite possibilities. It uncovers concealed beauty, displaying the vibrant hues of the nocturnal realm and reshaping the landscape's contours. The gentle radiance of the moon and the coruscating streetlights of the metropolis add a new dimension to the world at night. It is a time when reveries come to life, and imaginations run riot. The night becomes a playground of creativity, where concepts are birthed, and possibilities are limitless.

It also brings a sense of solace and security. Shining a ray upon the darkness, making it less daunting and more familiar. From the flicker of a candle to the bright city lights provide a sense of warmth and safety. It becomes a guiding light, leading the way through the night and into the dawn of a new day.

As the chill of winter begins to give way to the warmer days of early March, I find myself thinking back to a particular spring evening a year ago. It was a night filled with good company, good beer, and an unexpected introduction to a new experience that would go on to change my life…actually, more like my understanding of how to live my life. This story is about a trip to my friend Zach’s house and a rather refreshing experience I had with him.

Zach is a funny man. A physics major with a passion for architecture and a disturbing obsession with collecting books. I rarely ever see him read. And I tend to stay away from him when he reads.

Zack lives in the suburbs. The area surrounding was a picturesque and idyllic setting, with rolling hills and verdant greenery as far as the eye could see. As soon as I stepped inside the house, I was struck by the grandeur of the interiors. The interiors were opulent, with beautiful artwork and polished wooden floors. But it was the courtyard that truly captured my attention. The courtyard was a magnificent space, an oasis of beauty and tranquillity, that sat blissfully at the end of the house. It was a vast space, with perfectly manicured lawns and trees that seemed to reach the sky.

As I stepped onto the soft grass, I was struck by the sensation of stepping onto a plush, green carpet. It was a vibrant green, a colour that seemed to glow under the soft lighting. As I walked further into the courtyard, I was greeted by a beautiful array of trees that stretched into the forest behind. The branches stretched out like the arms of ancient giants, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The leaves were deep green, a colour that seemed to be illuminated by the soft lighting that suffused the courtyard.

The trees were spaced out in such a way that they created little pockets of privacy and seclusion as if each tree was guarding its own little corner of the courtyard. I could hear the soft chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, creating a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. As I walked around the trees, I could see a pedestal of sorts right in the centre, with a tabletop on it, stacked with beer and a bottle of tequila.

The tabletop was made of elegant wood, with a smooth surface that seemed to shine under the soft lighting. The table was surrounded by comfortable chairs as if they were waiting for someone to sit down and stay awhile. It was like a scene from a movie, a romantic setting that invited conversation and laughter. The soft lighting was a marvel in itself, illuminating the courtyard with a gentle glow that created a cosy and intimate atmosphere. The lighting seemed to shift and change with the movements of the trees and the patterns of the wind, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting effect.

As the afternoon turned to even and the sun began to set, my friend Zach and I continued to enjoy each other's company over beers. By the time we had reached our 14th beer, the darkness had crept in, shrouding the courtyard in shadow. Zach suddenly stood up and disappeared into the house. I was left wondering where he had gone, but before I could ask, he reappeared, holding a book in his hand.

He walked towards our table and placed the book down with a thud. "Page 234," he said, with a mischievous glint in his eye. I was curious and confused, but also intrigued. What could be on page 234?

Zach flipped the book open and began to read aloud. “... it was almost quite dark in there and she kept her arms stretched out in front of her so as not to bump her face into the back of the wardrobe. She took a step further in - then two or three steps always expecting to feel woodwork against the tips of her fingers. But she could not feel it. Going still further in and pushing the soft folds of the coats aside to make room for her. Then she noticed that something was crunching under her feet. She stooped down to feel it with her hand. But instead of feeling the hard, smooth wood of the floor of the wardrobe, she felt something soft and powdery and extremely cold.

Next moment she found that what was rubbing against her face and hands was no longer soft fur but something hard and rough and even prickly. And then she saw that there was a light ahead of her; not a few inches away where the back of the wardrobe ought to have been, but a long way off. Something cold and soft was falling on her. A moment later she found that she was standing in the middle of a wood at night-time with snow under her feet and snowflakes falling through the air.

Lucy felt a little frightened, but she felt very inquisitive and excited as well. She looked back over her shoulder and there, between the dark tree trunks; she could still see the open doorway of the wardrobe and even catch a glimpse of the empty room from which she had set out. It seemed to be still daylight there. She began to walk forward, crunch crunch over the snow and through the wood towards the other light. In about ten minutes she reached it and found it was a lamppost.”

And then, just as the story reached its climax, Zach shouted out "Luxuria. Let there be light!!!"

I was taken aback at first, wondering what he meant by that. But then, as if by magic, the courtyard began to light up. It started from under the house and gradually worked its way up towards us, illuminating every inch of the space with a warm and welcoming glow. I watched in amazement as the soft lighting made its way towards our table, casting a gentle light on our faces and the beers in front of us. The stand of the table itself was now bathed in light, giving it a magical quality that was both enchanting and inviting. As the courtyard was illuminated, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. It was as if the darkness had been banished, replaced by a sense of warmth and comfort that enveloped us all. The beauty of the courtyard was now on full display, every detail illuminated by the soft and welcoming light.

We continued to sit there for hours, lost in conversation and enjoying the magic of the illuminated courtyard. It was a moment that I would never forget, a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the greatest joy and wonder. As the night wore on, I sat there with my friend Zach, marvelling at the beauty of the illuminated courtyard. The soft glow of the lights cast a warm and welcoming ambience, and I felt content at the moment. Suddenly, Zach leaned in and whispered, "You know, that table stand you were admiring earlier, it's a repurposed wall-mounted light."

I was surprised and intrigued by this revelation. The table stand had seemed so perfect for its intended purpose, but to hear that it had been repurposed was a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its owner. It made me realize how simple things can be transformed and given new life with a little bit of imagination and effort. Something that was once just a functional piece of lighting had been transformed into a beautiful and functional table stand, elevating the overall ambience of the courtyard.

As the sun sets on another day, I am reminded of the importance of reimagination and renovation in our lives. From the flicker of a candle to the glow of a streetlamp, light has the power to transform our world. It can create an ambience, set the mood, and even affect our emotions. A fitting end to this day, reminiscing of a magical evening that I will always cherish. Esp[ecially as I write this out sitting on that same table.