8:00 PM – The elder's lantern sputtered and died just as the procession began, sending a hush through the village square.

8:05 PM – His granddaughter, Mei, dashed through the narrow lanes, asking for a spare flame, the weight of tradition pressing on her shoulders.

8:10 PM – An elderly villager handed her a flickering ember; the path back was slippery, but Mei pressed on.

8:12 PM – With the crowd gathering, Mei retied the wick, and the lantern burst alight once more, its warm glow painting hope onto eager faces.