In a small village called Cahenem, forgotten by time, lived the simplest of folk. Most of them were farmers, and they only had one tradesman for each trade. That was all they inherited, and so that was all they passed down—community and harmony.

Though, it wasn’t unlike them to hold grudges. For instance, Mrs. Halbert still hasn’t forgiven her sister-in-law for not inviting her to one of her brunches. And Mr. Fitzgerald swore he would never buy another apple from Morice, because Morice didn’t purchase his oranges in return.

These petty indiscretions were part of the day-to-day in Cahenem. However, every once in a while, something rather interesting happened. Something that spilled the brunch tea and made chatter ripple through the hills to reach even those who minded their own business.

Like the time Mr. Winston got a chandelier.

According to Mr. Winston, he got the idea from when he visited the city as a child. Fascinated by the hundreds of tiny, expensive crystals suspended above him like raindrops, he knew that the man his father was visiting was someone important. So, he dreamed of the day he owned one.

Everyone visited to marvel at his dazzling chandelier, even those who spread rumors to tarnish it. If anything, it was a testament to all the hard work it took to obtain each crystal.

He opened his doors to anyone who wished to celebrate under his chandelier. Engagements, meetings, women’s brunches…all took place at his house. It even became folk talk: She’s great, but she’s not exactly a chandelier. Not even if they offered me Winston’s chandelier. Does Winston know his chandelier is missing a crystal?

Soon enough, Mr. Winston became the man of the village, well-connected, the man they sought for help, and he never turned anyone away. His wealth grew alongside his influence, so he renovated his house and upgraded his lifestyle. And it seemed that he was on the rise to become the most respected and beloved man in Cahenem.

Down With Your Chandelier