The forest floor, a tapestry of dark blue moss and scattered stones rendered in vibrant stained glass, held a secret. Three red mushrooms, each dotted with perfect white spots and crafted from shimmering glass, stood like tiny beacons in the moonlight. They were the home of the “Midnight Ladies”, a colony of ladybugs forever frozen in poses of cheerful activity, their stained-glass shells gleaming with a glossy sheen.

The largest mushroom, the grandest of the three, was their gathering place, their stage. Every night, as the moon climbed high in the sky outside the cathedral window, the ladybugs in the stained glass would gather there, their tiny forms illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through. They would sing songs of the forest, of the stars, of the joy of being alive.

They weren’t just ladybugs; they were stained-glass ladybugs. Their shells, a mosaic of crimson and glossy black, shimmered with an otherworldly light, reflecting the magic of the moon and the mushrooms. Delicate lines, like tiny scars, crisscrossed the glass of their window, a reminder of a time long past when the vibrant scene had been shattered, only to be lovingly pieced back together. They were part of the forest’s hidden wonders, a secret joy whispered on the wind that blew through the cracks in the ancient cathedral.

One night, a lost firefly, its light flickering weakly, flew against the cathedral window and landed on the stained glass, near the Midnight Ladies. It was exhausted, its tiny light almost extinguished. It had flown too far from its family, and now it didn’t know how to find its way back. The magic of the glass, Lumina’s magic, did not absorb this little creature like usual. It seemed to understand that he just needed a little break. This little bug had to return to his family in the forest.

The Midnight Ladies in the stained glass saw the firefly’s plight. They appeared to gather around it, their tiny voices soft and comforting. They began to sing songs of hope, songs of courage, songs of the unwavering light that shines even in the darkest of nights. Their ravenous nature set aside, they wanted to help the hurting and frightened bug.

Their songs seemed to fill the firefly with warmth, with strength. It looked at the ladybugs, their shimmering shells glowing like tiny stars in the moonlight, and it felt a surge of hope. It wasn’t alone and it wasn’t frightened of them. These tiny creatures, these Midnight Ladies encased in glass, had shown it the way and given it some respite.

As the moon began to descend, the firefly felt its light growing stronger. It thanked the ladybugs for their kindness, for their songs, for their unwavering support throughout the night. Then, with a renewed sense of purpose, it took to the air, its light pulsing brightly, guiding it back to its family.

The Midnight Ladies watched the firefly go, their hearts forever filled with joy. They knew that even the smallest act of kindness could make a difference, that even the faintest light could shine brightly in the darkness. And as they remained in their places, forever singing their silent songs to the outside world, they knew that their magic, their music, their light, would continue to inspire through the cathedral window, bringing hope and joy to all who needed it.

“Shattered Midnight Ladies” is a Gansai (Japanese Watercolor) painting featuring a dark scene depicting the same dark blue forest floor. The sky above shows a blue night sky, like the full moon is just out of view. The 3 red and white mushrooms range from large to small and a few ferns and other plants surround the main characters. Atop the large mushroom 3 ladybugs are lined up in a row.

This painting and more from the “Shattered” series will be appearing for sale summer 2025. Prints will also be offered. Stay tuned to my social media for sale dates and locations.

Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.

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Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.

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