The Lantern Festival Surprise

Every year, the Lantern Festival lights up the narrow streets of my hometown.ⓘEvery year, the Lantern Festival lights up the narrow streets of my hometown. This year, I returned after five years away and found my grandmother waiting with a beautiful red lantern.ⓘThis year, I returned after five years away and found my grandmother waiting with a beautiful red lantern. " This one is special, Mei, " she said softly. Inside was a tiny note written by my mother before she passed away.ⓘ"This one is special, Mei," she said softly. Inside was a tiny note written by my mother before she passed away.

As we walked together under the floating lights, I finally understood why my family had kept this tradition alive.ⓘAs we walked together under the floating lights, I finally understood why my family had kept this tradition alive.

Some customs are not just beautiful lights in the dark; they carry the voices of those we thought we had lost.ⓘSome customs are not just beautiful lights in the dark; they carry the voices of those we thought we had lost.