Dr. Meyer wrapped up this morning session just before I had a chance to tell him about my encounter with Luna that night. The beautiful, doll-like child appeared right before my eyes just when I was feeling immensely sorry for myself. Dragging her worn-out blanket on the floor, she swung open the back door from the inside just as I pulled open the outside screen door. I was glad that our timing was perfect, or else I might have knocked her down if I had pushed open the door a second sooner. Even though it has been almost a year, the image of this little girl—with her small round face shining like the luminous moon in the sky—is still very fresh in my mind.

    Thinking back, Luna was expecting me, for she just stood in the dimly lit doorway and smiled up at me, showing her little white teeth.

    "Where are you going, little girl?" I initiated our conversation.

    "Happy birthday, Ya Ya!" Her bell-like voice resonated in the quiet house.

    Surprised and bewildered at the same time, I returned her sweet smile with an uncertain one. "Thank you, but how do you know that it's almost my birthday?"

    "The lady said to whish you a happy birthday."

    I chuckled upon hearing her pronunciation of wish. "Which lady?" I asked as I entered and closed the door, thinking that Luna would utter my mother-in-law's name.

    "The lady in the moon," she whispered.

    "Who?" I asked again, not believing my ears.

    "The lady in the moon!" Luna's voice was a tad louder this time.

    "The Moon Lady told you it's my birthday." I reconfirmed.

    She nodded her pretty little head, her blond curls bouncing around her face.

    "Are you sure it wasn't a dream?"

    The child bobbed her head a few times and enthusiastically gave me an account of her farfetched tale. "I closed my eyes, but I wasn't sleepy, then I heard music, and when I opened my eyes, a lady was tickling my face. She asked me to tell you that someone whished you a happy birthday."