The Sky Lantern
Leo and Mira had always loved the Lantern Festival. Every year, on the night of the full moon, the whole town would gather by the river, lighting paper lanterns and releasing them into the sky like tiny stars. The sight of hundreds of glowing lights floating upward always felt magical.
But this year, something strange happened. As the last lanterns disappeared into the dark, one of them—small, golden, and flickering—broke away from the rest.
Instead of rising, it drifted down, spinning gently like a falling leaf. Right into their treehouse.
Mira was the first to grab it. The paper was still warm, glowing softly from within. "Leo, look!" she whispered. "There's a note inside."
Leo carefully unfolded the tiny piece of paper and read aloud:
"Follow the fireflies, and you'll find the lost light."
A shiver of excitement ran through them. They had no idea what it meant, but there was only one way to find out.
Leaving their lantern behind, they climbed down the ladder. The night was cool, the air thick with the scent of damp leaves and river water.
Then, just beyond the tree line, they saw a cluster of golden fireflies flickering in the dark.
Mira gasped. "It's just like the note said."
Leo grinned. "Then let's follow them."
The fireflies floated ahead, blinking like tiny stars as they led the way through the woods. The siblings followed, stepping carefully over roots and soft moss. The only sounds were their own footsteps and the distant rush of waves.
After what felt like forever, the trees parted, revealing an old lighthouse standing at the edge of the cliffs.
It was tall and silent, its windows dark. The paint was peeling, and ivy curled around its base. A weathered wooden door stood slightly open, creaking in the wind.
Leo hesitated. "Are we sure about this?"
Mira nodded, pushing the door open. "Only one way to know."
Inside, the air smelled of salt and old books. Maps covered the walls, yellowed with age, showing oceans and lands they didn't recognize. But the most striking thing sat in the center of the room—a massive lantern, taller than either of them.
It was made of glass and metal, but its light had gone out.
A voice from the shadows made them both jump.
"You found my message."
An old man stepped forward, his long coat rustling. His eyes were kind but filled with something deep—something ancient.
"This is the Lantern of Everlight," he explained. "Long ago, it shone so brightly that lost travelers could always find their way home. But its light is fading, and soon, it will go out forever."
Mira stared at the dark lantern. "But… why send us a message?"
The old man smiled. "Because only those who still believe in light can bring it back."
Leo glanced at the fireflies still hovering nearby. Their tiny bodies pulsed softly, as if waiting.
Mira's eyes widened. "Maybe they can help."
The old man nodded. "But only if they trust you."
Slowly, Mira and Leo held out their hands. The fireflies hesitated—then, one by one, they floated toward them. Their golden glow reflected in Mira's eyes as they swirled around her fingers.
The tiny lights moved as if drawn by something unseen, spiraling toward the great lantern. The moment they touched its glass, a soft hum filled the air.
Then—A burst of golden light exploded outward.
The lantern blazed to life, filling the room with warmth. Outside, its glow spilled across the cliffs and ocean, stretching far into the night.
The old man let out a breath, his eyes shining. "The Everlight has returned."
Leo and Mira stepped outside, watching as the lighthouse beacon cut through the darkness.
"Now," the old man said, "it will shine for those who need it most."
As they made their way home under the glow of the lantern, the night no longer seemed so dark. And somehow, they knew this wouldn't be their last adventure.