The Mysterious Woman in The Alley

Hana walked through an alley, her trench coat was a shield against the chill. Three part-time jobs left her drained, and the flickering streetlight cast long, lonely shadows.

Suddenly, a frantic voice startled her. A man, slightly older than her, stood beside a sputtering sky lantern – a small hot air balloon powered by a flame, typically used for celebrations.

"It won't stay lit!" he exclaimed, exasperation etched on his face. "My friend's waiting on the rooftop for a birthday surprise, and this thing is being stubborn."

Hana, surprised by the thoughtful gesture at this late hour, couldn't help but smile. "Maybe it needs a gentle touch," she offered. Together, they fussed over the lantern, Hana's practiced hands calming its erratic flame.

The lantern finally rose, the man smiled to her, "Thanks a bunch. You're a lifesaver."

Hana smiled back.

Artists:

• Dain Yoon, a fine artist
• Kim Keever, an abstraction photographer
• Dan Witz, a street artist
• Andreas Lie, a visual artist