Seeking a flame in a world that's on fire

(538 words)

The stranger had an air of desperation about him. He fidgeted. He was agitated. He couldn’t find a match.

We were in the clubhouse of a local golf course. It was getting late on a Saturday afternoon. The place was clearing out.

He looked about 50, trim, well-dressed, appeared prosperous. You’d think a guy like that could find a good match.

Twenty minutes later he asked again: Did