Based on the short screenplay "Moon Dragon" by Gil De Palma

Finalist, 2003 Moondance International Film Festival

Dear Reader,

You're about to read the novella version of a short movie I wrote after my mother passed away when I was young many years ago. It is a simple story but it comes from my heart and it hides within it a secret wish, which I know will never be granted.

After "Moon Dragon" became a finalist in the 2003 Moondance International Film Festival, I put it away and I stopped creative writing.

Thirteen years later, I glanced upon the original handwritten manuscript while looking for some notes in my box. I had the sudden desire to read it again. And when I did, I discovered that my wish never left me.

I cannot tell you what it is, but I believe you'll discover it when you read the story.

If you find it, please don't tell me what it is. Don't even post it. Just keep it in your heart and pray that you'll never have to make the same secret wish.

Maybe, just maybe, telling you the story of a boy whose similar wish came true might make the whole thing less heartbreaking.

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Gil De Palma