Curiosity pulled her. Overhead paper lanterns lit the way. She smelled the sweetness of steaming dumplings. Heard chords played on an erhu. Witnessed a crowd gather to view swirly moves of a fast-paced lion dance. Riddles attached to lanterns she read. Satisfied all could be answered, except for one.
“Happy lantern festival!” the man beside her said. “I’m stumped on that one too.” His warm smile encouraged hers. Calmness invited her to break from shyness.
They spent the rest of the evening together gazing into each other’s eyes. Unknowingly solving the last riddle: happiness needs to be created, not pursued.
“Happy lantern festival!” the man beside her said. “I’m stumped on that one too.” His warm smile encouraged hers. Calmness invited her to break from shyness.
They spent the rest of the evening together gazing into each other’s eyes. Unknowingly solving the last riddle: happiness needs to be created, not pursued.
