A Mid-Autumn Night of Returning Hearts and Renewed Beginnings
Mei gazed up at the luminous full moon, a perfect pearl in the inky sky, a quiet happiness settling over her as she joined her family for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The scent of lotus seed paste and osmanthus hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft glow of myriad paper lanterns. This year, the festival felt especially poignant; her beloved Chen, who had been working abroad for two long years, had unexpectedly arrived just hours before. Their reunion had been warm, filled with shared mooncakes and soft smiles, transforming a lonely celebration into a pleasantly happy one. Yet, a subtle, unspoken question lingered between them, a quiet echo of the distance they had endured.
As the evening deepened and the family's laughter softened into contented murmurs, Chen gently took Mei's hand and led her away from the lantern-lit courtyard, towards a quiet spot beneath an old, gnarled willow tree. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, dappling their faces. He looked into her eyes, and all the unspoken words of separation seemed to melt away. "Mei," he began, his voice a soft murmur, "being away from you, especially during nights like these, made me realise that my future isn't about grand career moves, but about building a life right here, with you." With a tremble of anticipation, he reached into his pocket and produced a small, velvet box. "Will you make every future Mid-Autumn Festival, and every day in between, a joyful happiness with me?" he asked, opening the box to reveal a shimmering ring. Tears welled in Mei's eyes, overflowing with a profound sense of relief and exhilaration. She threw her arms around him, her "yes" a happy sob against his shoulder. Under the silent, watchful gaze of the Mid-Autumn moon, their embrace sealed not just a promise, but a renewed beginning, transforming the evening into an unforgettable symphony of love and absolute joy.
The end.
