The Lantern Festival (9) : Scientists have been hard at work trying to understand the strange, glowing qualities of the luminescent caterpillars found in the caves by the reservoir. The caterpillars still shrivel up if they are taken out of the caves but their glowing secretions have been processed into an organic paste that can withstand the outside world. The city is selling paper lanterns infused with various seeds. The glow paste is full of minerals to support healthy plant growth without risking damage to the environment; all lantern purchases come with a small packet of activating power that will heat the paste up enough to mimic the effects of a candle without the concerns of flammability. When the glow paste loses its heat, the lantern will return to the Earth and upon the first rain (or any contact with water) the paper will dissolve and the seeds may begin to grow. All proceeds from the lanterns are put right back into the community to support local conservation and environmental protection efforts.
Sabrina had so much excitement watching the meteor shower tonight that she was happy the lanterns were still open. She had heard so many wonderful things from Christabel about how the lanterns flew in the sky. Not only that, but she said it was something she would never forget. So Sabrina was excited to finally experience it for herself. When the lights of the lanterns started to appear in the sky, she was mesmerized. She knew it was a moment she would never forget.
So she quickly turned her gaze away from the lanterns that were flying in the air and went looking for the lantern dealer. After a few minutes of searching, she found the dealer and walked up to the them. The lantern dealer had so many different options to choose from. They had a multitude of colors, patterns, sizes, shapes, and combinations of lanterns. Not only that but they had a sign that mentioned every purchase contributed to supporting local conservation and environmental protection efforts. She was so happy to see that her purchase would do some positive things in the world. She asked the dealer to explain the different options and happily made her selection. She decided to purchase not only one for her, but enough for everyone at the hotel. The cooks, the cleaners, the attendants, the receptionists, and all the others. She hoped that everyone at her family hotel would enjoy the little gift of the lanterns. She told the dealer where to send the lantern boxes and then she picked out two lanterns for herself. Her purchase included a beautiful bat-covered lantern and a cobweb-covered lantern. She couldn't wait to see the hotel staff's reaction when they saw the lanterns. She knew it would bring smiles to their faces.
So she thanked the dealer, but before she could leave she was handed a red star charm, and as she tucked it in her bat backpack she continued on her way to let loose her own two lanterns into the sky. She found the same place in the park where she watched the meteor shower earlier. Luckily it was pretty empty due to everyone having gone home. Well everyone except her that was. She opened up the lantern and noticed a packet. She followed the instructions and rubbed the packet in her hands for both lanterns. Then one by one she launched each lantern into the air. Before she did that, she made a wish for each of them. For the bat-patterned lantern she wished for her family's hotel to prosper, and for the cowweb-patterned one she wished for good times with her friends. As soon as the wishes were made she lay down on the grass and watched as they ascended into the sky. She had never seen such a beautiful sight! The lanterns kept climbing higher and higher until they were no longer visible. She felt a sense of calmness and contentment, knowing that her wishes had been released into the universe. She lay on the grass for a few moments longer, admiring the stars and the peacefulness of the night.
She decided she wouldn't leave yet though, since according to the intrustions eventually the lanterns would descend back towards the ground. She waited patiently, watching and admiring the night sky. After a few minutes, she saw that the lanterns had started to drift back down, one by one. She smiled, feeling the joy and peace that the sight had brought her, knowing that her wishes had been sent away. As the lanterns descended she took a picture with her phone, and then proceeded to catch each of them in her hands. As soon as they were safe and secure in her hands, she smiled, and held her lanterns closely. 'Thank you' she whispered. She knew she was probably at her quota for wishes tonight, but she didn't mind. Since these were honestly all just things she wanted to help make happen. She tucked the two lanterns safely in her arms and made her way back home, feeling content with her wishes.
When she arrived home, she quickly showed off her lanterns to anyone who would look. Then when she saw her parents she not only showed them, but told them about her night and the beautiful meteor shower she had witnessed She wanted them to know about everything, since she loved sharing everything she could with her parents - they were some of her best friends. She loved how her parents listened to her and never dismissed her stories or dreams. They accepted her as she was and were always there to support her. She knew she was so lucky to have them, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. As she finished her tale, she quickly went on to explain how she had purchased lanterns for everyone at the hotel to enjoy. She told her parents she wanted to share the joy the lanterns brought, but also show everyone in the hotel what a wonderful job they were doing. She had ordered enough that if the staff wanted, they could even take some home to their families. She knew that a lot of them had to work through the event, even though her parents tried to make sure that each staff member had time to enjoy the Star Festival. She was sure that the lanterns would bring a bit of joy to the staff, just like they had done for her. She had even included some extra, just in case. With the lanterns, she hoped to show her appreciation and gratitude for all the hard work the staff had put in. They hugged and kissed her for her thoughtfulness and told her goodnight.
Sabrina quickly returned the hugs and kisses and raced up to her room. Once she arrived she put the lanterns in her room on the wall near her bed. Where she could remember all the wishes and joys the festival had brought her. As she finished she lay in her bed, and looked up at the ceiling, feeling the peace this night had brought her. She was so thankful for the Star Festival and couldn't wait to experience it next year.
Word Count: 1,036
