What of the pieces that remain?

Suppose a fire steadily burning bright suddenly produces a violent flame, scorching the air. After the conflagaration in its place remains a smaller fire burning but not with any kind of heat like before. The remnants drift like embers.

What then does one do? There is unlikely to be enough material to relight the fire so do we continue to cultivate the one we have for stability? Or for hope that it will one day rekindle? Or do we leave the warmth and wander the cold wilderness of what once was searching for a new fire?

This fire was not one of passion but one of affection. A fire not of heat but of warmth. Losing such warmth can leave you colder but is among many ruined fires at this stage.

What of the pieces that remain?

To hold them in our hands, the shattered pieces of a once whole. Do we rebuild or do we destroy... this fire in its weakened state is somehow colder than it would be without... perhaps.