The lunar eclipse was to be late that night. All the neighborhood kids decided to sleep outside in Becky’s backyard. Sid and Caesar arrived first. They staked out their sleeping territory on the quilt throw-blanket and dove into the snacks. Ham and Spam supplemented the cheese and lettuce to pack between potato buns. Pickled green beans were arranged around a jug of juice providing spice to make the late night picnic memorable.

They played night games, such as Kick the Can and Wolves are Out Tonight, everybody except Monkey Larry. He refused. Monkey Larry got his name because he was always climbing the tallest trees or up and down ladders. Becky thought Larry was the bravest person she knew. She didn’t know he was afraid of the dark.

Sleeping bags laid heads to the center; they talked quietly as if someone was eavesdropping. Listening to the sounds of the summer evening, a soft wind breezed against their cheeks and the cracker crumbs scratch their legs in the bottom of the bag. Occasionally, someone slapped at a mosquito. Monkey kept a flashlight in one hand with just his eyes uncovered. He worried the bats would slash too close. Sid never took his baseball cap off and Caesar made a nest on top of his pillows, face down.

R-r-rubbit, r-r-rubbit was the sound they first heard. As soon as one rubbit stopped, another rubbit began, taking turns calling a possible sweetheart. After awhile, they could recognize individual frogs from their unique voice. R-r-rubbit, r-r-ribbit, knee-deep! The friends told stories as they watched stars streak across the evening sky. The boys fell asleep as if counting sheep, but Becky was too excited to doze off. Anticipation was high waiting for the full moon to disappear before her eyes.

Near Midnight, it was just she and the Man in the Moon, so big and bright. She raised her binoculars and reached out to touch the dimpled surface. Raising her foot she wiggled her toes in delight, like a shadow puppet show. The glowing ring broke near the Moon’s cheek. It started! Hard as she tried, she failed to rouse the boys from their slumber.

The Earth’s shadow slowly crossed the perfect sphere. The moment was so intense, Becky funnel focused. She wasn’t aware of her surroundings as if lifted into the night air closer and closer to the dimming object.

In her mind, the moon spoke to her . . . "when the shadow crosses my face, the sun light fails to blind me. The only time I can see is when the shadow completely covers me. You’re so small for being in space. Have faith in me. I’m here when you can’t see me. I shall return." Becky blinked her eyes in wonderment. Minutes later, the brilliance returned. The moon kept his word.

When Becky awoke in her backyard, the lighting was much different. The morning atmosphere was not like the bedroom. The air was crisp and birds chirped their morning serenade. Becky’s senses absorbed the magic of the morning. Her heart opened to draw in the smells and sounds. She cuddled the soft blankets and worked the ribbon between her toes.

Becky kept in touch with her neighborhood pals even after leaving the state for college. People remarked how self-assured she was. So easy to talk to and her common sense wisdom. As Becky aged, she wore an invisible crown of moonbeams both day and night. She kept faith in her lunar friend for the rest of her days.