Moon Lantern Happiness

Gaius had put the finishing touches to his Moon Lantern, which was fashioned in the likeness of a volcano. Lavender and Baby Pierre made tiny Moon Lantern volcanoes for themselves with leftover rice paper and bamboo.

Come on, said Gaius. We don't want to be late for the parade. It starts at ten past seven.

They caught the bus to the edge of town and walked to Elder Park in the gathering dusk.

There are too many clouds, said Lavender. We won't be able to see the full moon.

Don't worry, said Gaius. The moon will appear through the gaps in the clouds.

When they arrived they lined up with the others along the river bank. The moon lanterns glowed magically against the gleaming black water. At ten past seven they began to move forward. Gaius, Lavender and Baby Pierre were behind a giant moon lantern rabbit, and in front of Astro Boy flying over the moon.

There's a dragon! said Baby Pierre. And a tiger!

Look at all the people, whispered Lavender, as they turned in front of the main stage. She waved her volcano moon lantern slowly up and down as she walked.

Someone in the crowd clapped and called out " Beautiful!"

Lavender turned her head and saw that the person clapping was looking straight at her.

She felt inexpressibly happy.

What It Was

Wait a minute, said Gaius. Did you say The Arrival?

Yes, said Anoctopus. Do you understand why that was funny?

Of course I do, said Gaius. Humour is never lost on me. But the reason I was asking is that if The Arrival is on then the OzAsia Festival must have begun.

So what? said Anoctopus.

I'll have to think of leaving, said Gaius. I need to go home and put the finishing touches to my Moon Lantern.

But you haven't heard my story about the Krakatoans, said Anoctopus. You can't go yet. I'm free to talk again now.

Too bad, said Gaius. Perhaps the others will stay. I'm sure they'd like to hear about the Krakatoans.

No we wouldn't! said Lavender. We want to come to the Moon Lantern Parade with you.

Speak for yourself, Lavender, said Baby Pierre.

Oh, good! said Anoctopus. Do you want to stay, Baby Pierre?

No, said Baby Pierre. I just like to make my own decisions.

You've told us lots of interesting stories, Anoctopus, said Gaius. Perhaps we'll meet again some day and hear about the Krakatoans. But now we have to go.

What about me? said Anoctopus. Are you going to leave me here in this bucket?

Is it stinky? asked Lavender, sniffing at the bucket. You've been in it an awful long time.

No need to be rude, said Anoctopus. Tip me back into the sea will you?

Gaius picked up the bucket and tipped Anoctopus back into the sea.

With a slippery splash Anoctopus disappeared into the black depths of the sea underneath the jetty.

Come on, said Gaius. Let's go back to my house. You can both help me with my Moon Lantern.

Our quest is over, isn't it, said Lavender.

Yes, said Baby Pierre, with a sigh. It's over. Do you know, Lavender, I can't even remember what it was.