The night of the Mid Autumn Festival had finally arrived, and little Lala could hardly contain her excitement. All week long, she had watched Mom prepare mooncakes, polish lanterns, and carefully fold colorful paper decorations. Tonight, they would join the village lantern procession—a magical event Lala had been eagerly waiting for.
As the sun began to set, bathing the sky in shades of pink and gold, Mom helped Lala into her special festival dress, embroidered with tiny rabbits and moons. Lala held a beautiful red lantern shaped like a carp, its delicate frame glowing softly with candlelight. “Be careful, Lala,” Mom smiled gently, adjusting the ribbon on her hair. “Tonight is a celebration of family, reunion, and wishes.”
They stepped outside to find neighbors gathering with lanterns of every shape—dragons, lotus flowers, rabbits, and stars. Children laughed and chased each other, their lanterns dancing like fireflies. The scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet mooncakes drifted through the air, wrapping the night in warmth.
When the procession began, Lala tightly held Mom’s hand. Together, they walked through the village streets, lanterns swaying in a glowing river of light. Drums echoed in the distance, and a lion dance troupe pranced ahead, bringing joy and luck. Lala’s eyes sparkled as she whispered, “Mom, this feels like a dream.” Mom squeezed her hand lovingly. “It’s a night for dreams, my little moonbeam.”
At the village square, everyone gathered to watch the full moon rise—round, bright, and serene. Families shared mooncakes, offering slices filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. Mom handed Lala a small piece. “Close your eyes and make a wish to the moon,” she said. Lala pressed the soft pastry to her heart before taking a bite, silently wishing for happiness and love to last forever.
Later, children released sky lanterns into the night. Lala let hers go, watching it float upward like a tiny star. She felt peaceful, knowing she had shared this night with Mom. As they walked home, lanterns dimming, Lala whispered, “Thank you, Mom. This is the happiest festival ever.” Mom smiled, lifting her into her arms. “As long as we are together, every festival will be bright.”
And under the glowing Mid Autumn moon, their hearts glowed just as warmly.
