Bereket Tilahun

**Title: *The Last Lantern***

On the edge of a forgotten village stood an old watchtower, crumbling from time and silence. No one dared approach it after dark—except for Mira. She was drawn to the tower not by curiosity, but by the glowing lantern that appeared every night in its topmost window. No one else saw it. No one else believed her.

One chilly evening, Mira climbed the spiral stairs of the tower, dust swirling with each step. At the top, the lantern flickered, resting on a stone pedestal. As she touched it, whispers filled the room—fragments of voices, laughter, sorrow. Then silence.

The lantern flared, revealing a figure: a boy, no older than Mira, translucent and wide eyed. I’ve waited, he said. You can see me.

His name was Elias. A century ago, he had lit the towers lantern during storms to guide lost travelers. One night, a fire engulfed the tower, and he perished saving others. His spirit remained, waiting to pass on his duty.

Mira listened, heart pounding. What