Five flames still burn. They are all I have to keep the black away, but they are enough.

Four flames now, with one ember glowing, fighting for life, and finally succumbing.

Three flames, with the extinguished brother sending its last smoky spirit to the heavens.

Two flames. The night approaches much closer than before.

One. I still have shelter from the void.

I look at the four pools of wax and wonder what I gained by dividing the candle when the last one flickers out.