The Last Smile of the Moon
Once upon a time in the quiet, placid town of Edenvale rested a myth, a legend echoing since time immemorial. The villagers spoke of a celestial object, an erratic, smiling moon, which surfaced once in a blue moon. It could only be observed once in fifty years, a tale passed down generations, a mystery that engulfed the little town.
In the frosty winter of 1830, the much-awaited event was on the eve. The villagers gathered, their eyes glittering with anticipation, hearts beating as one, and all faces upturned to the cold indigo sky. Among them was a young lad Lenway, a curious, bright-eyed boy of twelve with a thirst for adventure.
The initial excitement slowly turned into disappointment as the night wore on, and there was no sign of the mythical moon. The villagers started dispersing; only little Lenway stayed back. His determination didn't waver. Wrapped in his worn-out cloak, the boy continued his vigil sitting on the frozen ground, the cold gnawing his bones. Hours flowed into eternity as his eyes searched the heavens, not one blink missed, not one star overlooked.
Just as the rooster was about to announce the arrival of dawn, a brilliant, radiant light pierced the sky. Lenway looked up and gasped. Up above the world so high, floated a gargantuan moon, painted with a gleaming smile that lighted up the night like a dream out of a fairytale. Lenway was entranced as he dove into the moon's tranquil eyes. It was pure magic, a spectacle one could only dream about but dare not expect to witness.
His joy knew no bounds, for he was the single soul that night to behold and celebrate the moon's enchanting smile. It was a sight to see, a moment to capture, shrouded in the soft glow of the moon, Lenway basked in the glory of the night. Yearning to share this magical event but knowing no soul was awake, he let out an exhilarating cheer that echoed across the hushed town.
Years rolled by. Lenway grew older, his hair turned to the color of snow, but his spirit did not age. He became the tranquil town's storyteller, recounting the night he had met the moon's smile. His eyes would twinkle while sharing the fable, never failing to mention the beauty, magnitude, and tranquility of the moon. His words painted an enchanting canvas of the night, enthralled the villagers, and planted a seed of curiosity, fanning the legend even more.
As the expected night of the 'Smiling Moon' approached in 1880, the village was buzzing, hardly containing their excitement. Like fifty years ago, they gathered under the sky, their hopes soaring high. But this time there was a significant difference. All eyes were following Lenway, not the sky. They revered him as the 'Moon Seer,' looking at him for confirmation, a nod, a sign.
Again the night grew darker, the winter unforgiving, people sporadically leaving. This time, Lenway, albeit frail, did not stand alone. The younger lot, mesmerized by Lenway's stories, waited with him. The night passed without any sign of the smiling moon, leaving Lenway visibly disheartened.
As dawn approached, the spectators perceived a change in their beloved storyteller. He pointed at the sky, and there it was, the 'Smiling Moon,' grand and mirthful. The sight was ethereal, as if straight out of dreams. A soft murmur ran through the crowd, eyes widened in awe, hearts thumping collectively. To their surprise, Lenway merely smiled, his old eyes sparkling with tears. Before anyone could react, he fell on the ground, smiling, his eyes still on the moon.
The 'Moon Seer' had breathed his last with the moon's smile as his last sight. Lenway made the town believe in magic, left the world with a piece of mind-boggling history, a legacy, a legend, immortal in their hearts. Lenway's tale remains. His smile, echoing in the moon, watches over Edenvale, illuminating not just the sky but the spirit of belief, beauty, and enchantment forever.