114 May the Moon be Eternal

The day went by quite quickly with the sun making its arc across the sky and setting beyond the western horizon. However, because it was late autumn, the sun had set quite early, meaning that it was still too early to head back.

We had made our way to the temple that we had toured the other day during the mandatory trips. However, at night, this temple had an oddly romantic feeling to it. Warm lights illuminated the temple grounds as many couples toured the spot. The overall atmosphere of the place was great, with small lamps laid out on the side of the road, even on the bridge with a small stream flowing underneath. From this bridge and looking out, there was a beautiful lake where many miniature boats made from local wood carried small light sources floated out as well as paper lanterns that floated up into the sky carrying small fires within it as well. The resulting image was the lake surface reflecting the abundant beautiful orange lights that flew about in the air.

A gentle breeze blew by, moving our hair as we leaned against the railings of the stone bridge, watching the beautiful scene over the lake. For companionship as well as warmth, Luna hugged onto my arm and rested her head on my shoulder. This way, she could remain warm with my warmth, and I also benefited since her warmth was also quite soothing for my body.

"I heard that people would write wishes in those lanterns before letting them go," Luna whispered to me. "I want to try it."

"Let's go try it then," I said, pushing off gently against the railing as I began walking over to the vendor that sold those paper lanterns.

The vendor was located near the lake's banks, meaning we still had to walk a short distance there. It wasn't far, and only took us about half a minute. However, in this half minute, we passed by many couples that were visiting as well as the occasional family. In addition, as we walked, Luna maintained physical contact with me at all times.

"A couple only has to buy one," the vendor said when he saw that we were buying two, one for each.

"We're not dating," I responded.

"No?" the middle-aged man lifted an eyebrow in surprise. "You two quite look like you are. Normal friends don't get that close physically."

We each bought a paper lantern from the vendor and listened to him explain the tradition of the lantern as well as how to make it fly. The concept of it was the exact same as hot air balloons so it wasn't exactly hard to understand. Therefore, the only thing we have to ponder over is what wish we wanted to make.

"What're you going to wish for?" I asked Luna as I struggled to think of something.

"If I were to tell you," she frowned and pouted, "then it wouldn't come true."

"This isn't a birthday cake," I sighed and chuckled. "Fine..."

Then, I saw her turn away from me as she quickly jotted down her wish on her lantern. I was quite jealous of her being able to quickly come up with a wish. However, it must be easier for her since she seems to have a clearer outlook on life. With her life being limited to about half a year now, her wish probably revolved around her disease recovery or her life span prolonged; things that will never come true, but... it's nice to believe.

However, I thought as I frowned as I know that her wish will never come true. Even if the divines did try, they won't be able to do anything about it...

I stared blankly at my paper lantern, struggling to think of a wish that I would want to come true. I had an odd feeling within me. I know this custom is simply superstition with no actual base. In addition, I know the divines that should theoretically be responsible for granting such wishes. Therefore, I know that whatever wish I put on the lantern will never come true. What I put down shouldn't matter at all. But... why is it that my heart throbs in such a painful manner?

"Are you done?" I heard Luna ask.

"No," I answered. "Give me a minute."

"Fine," she said in a whiny voice. "Hurry up."

"I know," I responded.

Then, I once again stared at the blank paper lantern before me. In my right hand was a pen provided by the vendor that was used since ancient times to inscribe one's wishes onto such paper lanterns. I had all the tools already, and the only thing I'm missing is the wish itself.

I frowned as I took a deep breath, trying to think what it was that's preventing me from writing anything down. On my face was a self-deprecating smile as I shook my head in disbelief at how difficult it was for me to write down something that should be meaningless.

Now what was it? What's causing this hesitation in me? What made me change into who I am right now? The answer, I think, is obvious. It's Luna.

I glanced over at the girl who was smiling as she chatted with the lantern vendor. He was telling her stories of people who had their wishes came true. Even though I know it was simply a coincidence, but seeing how excited Luna got as she smiled and laughed made me want to believe as well. It made me want to believe that miracles could happen, and that the divines could help me on this wish. For the moment there, I forgot about my supposed acceptance of her fate, forgot about the fact that two angels had told me straight up that she will die, and forgot about the fact that God was a young man who's life revolves around playing video games all day. At that moment, I wrote down what I hoped for in my mind, my most sincere and honest prayer.

May the moon be eternal.

"I'm done," I said, smiling as I felt oddly satisfied by the wish that I had written down.

"Finally," she sighed. "After half an hour."

"It wasn't that long," I chuckled.

"Let's set the lanterns free now," she said with great excitement and enthusiasm.

I followed her over to the river banks where another store vendor was waiting with fire lighters in his hands. He handed us one and taught us how to light the fire on the small candle so that the lantern would be able to float and fly off into the night. With his guidance and help, both Luna and I lit our candles at the same time. I could feel the lanterns trying to lift up into the air and escape, but I held it gently in place as I waited for Luna so that we could release ours at the same time.

"Ready?" She smiled as she looked over at me.

"Of course," I answered.

"Three, two," she counted down. "One."

At one, both of us released our hands, allowing our lanterns to rise into the air and be carried by the nighttime breeze over the surface of the lake. According to ancient customs, the idea is that the lanterns will float all the way to the heavens and after God reads our wishes, he will grant them. At that moment, I truly hoped that the legends were true.

My eyes followed our two lanterns as it slowly rose higher and higher up into the nighttime sky. I glanced over to my right, admiring the beautiful side view of Luna's face as she gazed upwards at our lanterns with a large smile on her face. Her eyes sparkled as it reflected the beautiful nighttime sky that was dotted with the many lanterns that floated up to the heavens.

Then, I looked up once again, seeing where our lantern had flown. It would appear that the other lanterns all died out, but oddly enough, ours were still going strong. It continued to rise, almost as if it was truly going to crack the clouds and into the palace of God. However, before our lanterns made its way past the clouds, the fire extinguished.

"Aww..." Luna sighed.

"Don't worry Miss," the temple employee nearby said to comfort her. "Yours is the highest I've ever seen. God definitely seen yours and will most definitely grant your wish."

"That would be great," Luna smiled.

"So what did you wish for?" I asked her once again.

Then, she turned her beautiful face in my direction and smiled and winked playfully. "I'll make sure to tell you before I die."

I let out a sigh. I couldn't say I was surprised because I anticipated this response from her. However, upon hearing it from her, curiosity nagged at my heart.

"I'll tell you what I wished for," I said, grabbing onto her hand. "So tell me what you wished for."

"Nope," she said, turning her head away from me with a smug smile on her face.

With a sigh, I realized that no matter how hard I begged, she wouldn't tell me. And with a smile, I accepted my defeat, hoping that I will eventually know before her death.

However, that never happened.