The Sturgeon Moon

Max wandered lazily through Moonlit Hollow.

It was the end of August, and summer had begun to feel tired around the edges. The afternoons were still warm, but the evenings came a little sooner now, and every once in a while, a cooler breeze found its way through the trees.

For all of these reasons, tonight was special. But, this night in particular, was especially special.

The Sturgeon Moon hung enormous over Moonlit Hollow. And it had brought with it the second eclipse of the month. The first had passed over just sixteen days before. Now, a partial lunar eclipse cast its shadow across the moon, giving part of it a faint reddish glow.

Max knew nights like this were worth remembering.

He pulled his map from his satchel, smoothed it across his knees, and made a tiny mark beside the swimming hole, “The Gathering Oak: Best place to watch the Sturgeon Moon.”

The branches of the great live oak stretched out over the water. Max knew that if he climbed high enough, the view would stretch beyond the treetops of Moonlit Hollow.

So Max climbed.

Up and up he went until he found the perfect branch. From there, the whole Hollow seemed to rest beneath him. The treetops were dark against the moonlit sky, and far below, the swimming hole held another moon in its still water, a slightly red one that shimmered whenever the breeze disturbed its reflection.

Max leaned back against the Gathering Oak and looked out over his home.

The Sturgeon Moon meant August was nearly over.

Soon, the leaves would begin to turn and the evenings would grow cooler. Reese would start gathering the last of her summer herbs, and everyone in the Hollow would begin preparing for fall.

But not tonight.

Tonight, Max simply sat beneath the ruddy moon, his map tucked safely beside him, and enjoyed one of the last quiet nights of summer.