A real writer draws inspiration from anything they see. But to see properly, you'll need a good lamp.

"Aunt Sylvia," said Craig. "Just read it! I know it's not amazing but it's my first story, and I really want your opinion. It's called… The Clear White Light."

Sylvia didn't say anything, she just held out her hand. Craig passed her the blue spiral notebook and watched hopefully as she read.

"It's here! It's here!" Little Jessica ran happily from the spaceport, holding the Marietta Full Spectrum Lamp in her arms. In the shuttle, her father and mother beamed with pride.

"We knew you'd win that essay contest, darling!" Jessica's mother said.

"You were always the best student at Olde Earth history!" Jessica's father added.

"Just think, Mom and Dad! Now, for the first time since Cygnus Colony was founded, I'll get to enjoy light just like that of our ancestors!"

"I'm so excited!" said Jessica's mother.

Jessica turned over the Marietta Full Spectrum Lamp to read the details. "It says there's a four-way switch and an adjustable neck! And the light from the 27 watt bulb mimics that of the sun!"

"Well, you knew that, dear." said Jessica's father. "That's what your report was on! What was that title you picked?"

"The Clear White Light!" Jessica said happily. "Daddy, do you think I made a mistake choosing the desk lamp over the floor lamp? They both looked so wonderful and it was so hard to choose and-"

"Now, now, Punkin'." Jessica's father admonished. "No regrets, right? That's how our ancestors would have done it on Olde Earth. You made your choice, and we'll live with it."

The car pulled into the driveway. Little Jessica ran into the house and set up the Marietta Full Spectrum Lamp. Her parents gathered around. This was it! At last they'd know the magic of sunlight! Little Jessica plugged in the 6 ft. cord and the room was bathed in a perfect mimicry of natural sunlight. And only then, as they felt themselves turn to ash, did the family understand why their ancestors had left Olde Earth for the Cygnus Colony.

Because they were VAMPIRES!

Sylvia closed the notebook and looked at Craig with a cocked eyebrow.

"Was I too subtle about the ending?" Craig asked.

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