As a child, Krish had conversed with the Moon one night, and it still lingers in his mind.

It's a beautiful evening, and Krish, around 10 years old, hopping around through the fields. He was walking down the street to his friend's house to read story books and had tucked some behind his parents' back in his shirt. Mobile phones, the Internet, and WhatsApp were not used then. The only option was a face-to-face interaction. It was around 6 pm. The Sun was setting, but the Moon was already visible. As he walks, he occasionally glances up at the Moon, feeling its watchful gaze.
He then whispered, "Why does the Moon keep staring at me? It looks like it's following me." Stopping in his tracks, he looked up at the Moon with annoyance and curiosity and broke his silence, "What's your deal, huh? Can't a kid go to his friend's house without being watched?" The Moon remains silent, its serene presence unchanged.
His mood changed from dominating to submissive, finally revealing his actual plan: "Fine, fine. You win. Yes, I'm going to read storybooks with my friend. But please don't tell my parents, okay? Let's keep it a secret. I had to use a math problem as my excuse to my parents; otherwise, they wouldn't permit me."
Krish picks up his pace again and runs excitedly, acknowledging the Moon's silent consent. He then tries to please the Moon, "You know what? If you want, tonight you can come to my room, play with my toys, and read my comics if you still have time. I will slide open my bedroom curtain for you." The Moon seems to twinkle in response as if it is charmed by his offer.

He has a wonderful time at his friend's house, spending the evening engrossed in storybooks and laughter.
Later, as he walks back home, he looks up at the sky, searching for the Moon, but can't find the Moon.
He then called out softly, "Moon? Where are you? I had a wonderful time with my friend. I thought of sharing the moments I spent with my friend. I hope you are not angry with me, and as promised, I shall slide the curtain in my room and wait for you. Thanks for keeping the secrecy within us." When he realises that the Moon is not visible, he gets disappointed. Looking up at the sky, he clarified, "I assume you're occupied. It's alright. I hope I haven't offended you."
Arriving home, Krish slides open his bedroom window curtain, as promised to the Moon. He waited for the Moon, but it was still dark. He looks around and invites the Moon before settling into the bed. "Come on, I have left the curtain open for you." The thought of the Moon still lingers in his mind.
He then speculates, "Maybe I'm just being silly, expecting the Moon to actually come, accepting my invitation? Which happens only in fairy tales, and I'm not a character in any fairy tale. Still, somewhere in my heart, I wish to see the Moon illuminating my room with its brightness." He was depressed and eventually tried to get some sleep.
As sleep drifts in, he notices a soft glow filling his room. He smiles, feeling the Moon's presence all around him. The moonlight was all over his room—on the walls, furniture, toys, clock, and books! He is thrilled with excitement!
© Krishnan

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