Wishes in the Sky 🌌 (Patreon)

The late afternoon sun spilled golden light over the tracks at Shifen Old Street, where red-roofed shops lined the narrow lane and lanterns danced above heads like drifting dreams. The scent of grilled mochi and sweet peanut ice cream floated through the air as train bells clanged faintly in the distance.

Josh held the sky lantern steady while Hai dipped the brush into black ink. “Okay,” Hai said, brow furrowed, “you write first.”

Josh hesitated. “Hmm… I want to write something real. Not just ‘travel more’ or ‘be healthy.’”

Hai smiled softly. “Then write from your heart. I’ll match you.”

Josh bit his lip, then carefully brushed out the characters: Grow old together in a house full of memories.

Hai paused, eyes scanning the words. “You’re trying to make me cry in public.”

Josh smirked, cheeks a little pink. “Is it working?”

“Almost.” Hai leaned over and added his own beside it: Wherever we go, let it always feel like home.

They both stepped back, admiring the bright colors of the lantern, now painted with hopes and soft promises. A man nearby gestured for them to bring it over, and together, they carried the lantern to the tracks.

Josh looked up as the man lit the flame inside. “Ready?”

Hai nodded. “Make a wish.”

They let go. The lantern rose slowly, wobbling for a second before catching the air and drifting up—past rooftops, past wires, into the warm blue sky.

Josh leaned into Hai’s side, watching it disappear into the clouds. “Think the sky heard us?”

Hai slipped an arm around Josh’s waist. “I think it’s been listening for a long time.”