Boon and the Lantern of Light

In a land of gentle rivers and tall green trees, lived a little elephant named Boon. Tonight was a special night—the Yi Peng festival of lights! Boon was so excited.

Boon had a beautiful paper lantern. It was white and round like the moon. But just as he was about to light it, a big gust of wind—WHOOSH!—tore a hole in the paper.

Oh no! Boon’s heart felt heavy. A little tear trickled down his long trunk and plopped onto the grass. He couldn't send his wish to the sky now.

A little monkey named Chai swung down from a tree. He saw his friend. "Boon, why are you sad?" Chai chattered softly.

Boon pointed his trunk to the broken lantern. Chai looked at the lantern, then at Boon's sad face. "Don't worry," said Chai. "We can share mine!"

Chai held his lantern steady. Boon took the tiny candle with his trunk, very, very carefully. Together, they placed the little flame inside.

The lantern filled with warm, glowing air. It wanted to fly! "Ready?" whispered Chai. "Go!" whispered Boon. They let go together.

Up, up, up floated their lantern! It danced in the sky with hundreds of other lights, like a brand new star that belonged just to them.

Boon didn't feel sad anymore. His heart felt warm and bright, just like the lantern. Sharing with his friend was the best feeling in the world.

The sky was full of glowing wishes. Boon and Chai sat together, watching their little light float higher and higher. The best wish of all was having a good friend.