Moon's Prodigal Son🔊

In a remote village, nestled snugly between towering mountains, a vigorous river and lush woodland, resided a young boy named Adrian. He was highly adored for his innocent and playful nature. Within the very heart of the village was his humble abode, where he lived with his mother. Ever since his father left on an expedition from which he never returned, Adrian's mother was his only pillar of rock, always encouraging him to pursue his dreams and his mysterious interest in the moon.

Tales of his father filled Adrian's early evenings. The village considered his father, Aldrich, a hero, a pioneer who ventured into the unknown, his ship sinking in a tempestuous storm. Despite this misfortune, young Adrian envisioned him victorious, exploring new lands. Most importantly, it was his father's fascination with moon that influenced Adrian the most.

Adrian's attachment to the moon was extraordinary; every lost dream, every story, his father's essence was encapsulated within that celestial orb for him. His deep-rooted aspiration was to touch the moon; just encase a sliver of it within his hands. However, his dream was far too fantastical for the pragmatic world, provoking ridicule from the villagers.

Ignoring their mockery, Adrian began his earnest quest. His plan was to make a ladder tall enough to reach the moon. He chopped down trees to procure wood but obtained enough without disturbing the balance of Mother Nature. He sought his friend Ana’s advice on strengthening his ladder. An intelligent girl known for inventing countless tools for the village, Ana willingly lent her hand.

Years passed, and Adrian’s ladder grew taller, reaching the billowing clouds. His dream no longer sufficed as a source of laughter for villagers but had transformed into a awe-inspiring symbol of dedication and continuous effort. Even the village's headman, who had initially discouraged Adrian, held him in high regard.

The day finally arrived when the ladder touched the outer reaches of the sky, where the moon was no longer a distant dream. The village gathered in excitement and worry as Adrian began his climb, illuminated only by the moon's light in the frosty night. Hours passed, and he reached the moon, overwhelmed with joy, ecstasy and, above all, triumph.

On the dreamy terrain of the moonlight, Adrian discovered an old flag wedged within the soft craters, bearing marks familiar. It was the crest of his father's expedition. He realized that his father did reach new lands after all. The moon was his father’s conquest, a legacy passed onto him.

Using the flag as a marker, Adrian placed a small bag filled with soil from his homeland. This little ritual was for his mother who believed in him more than anyone else. He descended back to Earth, his heart filled with great content and a sense of fulfillment.

Upon his return, the village brought celebrations like never before, praising his courage to conquer the impossible. Adrian shone under the admiration, dedicating his achievement to his mother and father. He reminded everyone that a dream was never too large, that determination and hard work would always bear fruit.

Adrian lived the rest of his days under the familiar warmth of his village, always looking up at the moon with a sense of contentment and belonging, a tale of inspiration for generations to unfold. With Adrian’s exceptional tale, he proved to his world and beyond, that an extraordinary dream is just an ordinary reality waiting to happen.