As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, excitement filled Lala’s home. The weather turned gentle, lanterns began to appear in windows, and the air carried the sweet scent of festivity. This year, Lala’s family decided to make traditional moon cakes together—something Lala had eagerly dreamed of doing.
Early in the morning, Lala woke up bursting with joy. “Today we make moon cakes!” she shouted, running to the kitchen where Mom had already prepared flour, lotus paste, red bean filling, and salted egg yolks. Dad was setting the table, and even Grandma sat nearby, ready to guide them with her wisdom.
Lala washed her hands and stood on her little stool, ready to help. Mom showed her how to knead the dough, soft and smooth like clouds. It stuck to her fingers, making her giggle. Dad rolled the dough carefully, while Grandma shared stories of Mid-Autumn nights from her childhood—of lantern parades, family gatherings, and children’s laughter under the full moon.
With focus, Lala shaped small balls of filling, inserting salted yolks in the center. She tried to wrap them perfectly, but some came out lumpy, causing everyone to laugh. “Each one has personality—just like you,” Dad teased. Lala proudly pressed each ball into a wooden mold, stamping beautiful patterns of flowers and rabbits on the top.
When the tray slid into the oven, the house slowly filled with the warm, sweet aroma of baking moon cakes. Lala waited impatiently, peeking through the oven door every few minutes. Finally, golden brown and glossy, the moon cakes emerged—shining like little full moons.
As they cooled, Lala placed them in pretty boxes to gift to neighbors and friends. “Sharing makes the festival brighter,” Grandma said. Lala nodded, understanding the true spirit of the day—family, unity, and love.
That night, under the glowing round moon, Lala carried a lantern and tasted her first handmade moon cake. It wasn’t perfect in shape, but it was perfect in heart. She smiled, surrounded by laughter, knowing she had helped create a memory that would last forever.
The Mid-Autumn Festival wasn’t just about moon cakes—it was about togetherness, and Lala felt its magic deep within her.
