The moon goes on strike over unpaid light. The neighborhood hangs a paper lantern as a replacement. It glows bravely, held up by fishing line from rooftop to rooftop. Tides forget what to do, puddles swell, dogs sleep through the night. Children draw crescents on their foreheads to feel moonlit. After three nights, the real moon peeks back, curious about the paper imposter. It returns to work with a raise in appreciation and a shorter orbit.
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