The Mid Autumn Festival was approaching, and little Lala had spent the entire week dreaming about mooncakes and lanterns. She watched her neighbors decorate their houses with glowing lanterns shaped like rabbits and stars, wishing she could join them. But Mom had been unusually quiet, busy with chores, and hadn’t mentioned anything about the festival. Lala sighed, thinking perhaps this year would pass without celebration.
On the morning of the festival, Lala woke up feeling a bit lonely. She quietly helped Mom sweep the yard and feed the chickens, even though her heart felt heavy. As the sun began to set, Mom called her inside. “Lala, can you bring me the basket from my room?” she asked gently. Lala nodded and trotted toward the room, not expecting anything special.
But when she opened the door, her eyes widened in shock. There on the table was a beautiful red basket decorated with golden paper and tiny lanterns. Inside were mooncakes, fruit, and even a small rabbit-shaped lantern just for her. Lala gasped, her hands covering her mouth. “Is… is this for me?” she whispered.
Mom stepped behind her, smiling softly. “Happy Mid Autumn Festival, Lala,” she said. “I wanted to surprise you.” Tears welled in Lala’s eyes as she hugged Mom tightly. She had never imagined such a thoughtful gift.
That evening, Mom lit the little lantern and placed it in Lala’s hands. Together, they sat under the bright, round moon. Lala took a bite of her very first lotus mooncake, its sweet flavor filling her with warmth. She giggled with delight, holding her lantern high.
Mom told her stories of the Moon Goddess Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit, while Lala listened in wonder. The worries in her heart disappeared, replaced with happiness and love.
As the moon climbed higher, Lala whispered, “Thank you, Mom… This is the best surprise ever.” Mom stroked her hair and replied, “As long as you’re happy, my little one, every festival is complete.”
That night, with her lantern glowing softly beside her, Lala drifted to sleep knowing that love can create the sweetest surprises—just like the moonlight on Mid Autumn night.
