The King and Queen of Corona stepped out onto the balcony, their eyes locked the single lit lantern seated on the podium. They were all too familiar with the lantern emblazoned with the sunny symbol of Corona. Every night on this day, ever since their daughter Rapunzel had been kidnapped, they sent this lantern into the air. It was followed by many other lanterns, all in search for the lost princess.
But, something was different about this year.
"May I do the honors?"
The royal couple turned to see their nineteen year old daughter standing in the doorway, hope sparkling in her eyes.
"Of course, Rapunzel." The King smiled.
Rapunzel grinned and ran toward the lanterns.
Yes, the Lost Princess had been found. She had returned to her home after years of living with the conceited and dastardly Mother Gothel, her kidnapper. But, even though the lanterns had been a tradition to find Rapunzel, she had insisted that they kept the tradition going, since she enjoyed the lanterns' beauty so much.
Rapunzel took a few graceful steps toward the lantern, her smile as bright as the lantern itself. For years, she had watched the lanterns from afar. Just the year before, she had seen the lanterns up close, and she fell in love under their magical glow. Now, she was the one to start the iconic ceremony.
She slipped her fingers delicately beneath the lantern and pushed it into the air. It left her fingers and drifted up higher and higher into the sky. One by one, villagers released their lanterns, and soon, the night sky danced with their radiant shine. Rapunzel hugged her parents, admiring the twinkling lights.
"A beautiful tribute to a beautiful princess," Eugene said, walking up and putting his hand on her shoulder.
Rapunzel giggled and grinned wider. "It's amazing how much has happened in the past year," She reflected aloud. "The past, wonderful year. I love you all."
"We love you to the moon and back," Her father responded, warmth in his voice.
Her mother pulled her closer and whispered, "Tonight used to be such a dark and heart-wrenching night. But, it's the brightest night of the year, now that the light in my life has returned."