On the far side of the moon, past the crater that the lunar people call Macrobius, there once was a moon-dust trail. It became the stuff of legends, and a legend is now all that remains, for it has been disturbed by the passing of many feet. Young feet and old, wearied and fresh, all have followed this trail in pilgrimage. It is used as a rite of passage for the lunar people, to be trodden twice in their long lifetimes and no more.

The first journey takes place at the brink of adulthood, when young minds are fresh, eager, and fearless. This absence of fear is a necessity, for they walk alone, and in darkness. When they return, they are celebrated, and young ones who have not yet come of age clamour around them for stories. Their pleas are in vain however, as it is forbidden among the people to speak of someone's journey after they have returned. It is a trip that every individual must experience for themselves, without the influence of others.

The second pilgrimage is made at the end of life. Every lunar person must make this walk once more in their final days. Gnarled and bent with age many of them are, but still they walk with a strong step and a proud face. They have lived long and full lives, and will pass with dignity, knowing that they made this final voyage unaided. The lunar people have no belief in the existence of anything beyond this life. For them, reaching the end of this trail is all the reward that is needed for living life well. Within a few days of returning from their journey, the elder will pass peacefully and quietly, having lived out 200-odd years.

Now why, as many people ask, why is this trail – straight, gray, and generally unspectacular – so important to these people? Why, because it is part of their culture, a holy site to them as much as a church, mosque, or temple is to us. Why are the children so desperate for stories, even though it is known to be forbidden to speak of it? Why, it is because of the sparkle in the eye of every returning new adult, the air that they are holding a great secret. Yes, but why? What is it about the moon-dust trail that inspires such awe in the lunar people? Ah, now we come to it! I was wondering when you would ask.

When you begin to walk the moon-dust trail, your path is fairly well lit from the light of the lunar people. As you continue, the light slowly fades. Further and further on you go, until you walk in complete blackness, hoping against hope that your feet will keep you straight and true. There is nothing to see, nothing to hear. You have never been so utterly alone with your thoughts.

Just as you begin to feel that maybe you are losing your sight, the path lightens again. Gradually, you are able to see again, although not that there is anything to look at, at first. For soon, the view starts to change, a new object coming over the horizon. Slowly, inch-by-inch, more of this new wonder is revealed until it hangs fully in the starry sky before you.

How beautiful it is! A perfect orb, the surface partly obscured by areas of shifting white. What you can see beneath is mainly a deep, sparkling blue, with areas of different colours and shades of green throughout. So different – so much more interesting than the black and pale gray that is all you have known. It looks so peaceful, bathed in soft light, just floating there. And now you understand.

You understand why the moon-dust trail is so important to the lunar people – who would want to lose the way to such a beautiful sight? You understand why they are forbidden to speak of it – who would want this glorious surprise spoiled? Yes, you can clearly understand why the lunar people adore this faraway place. What you can't understand is why those that live there don't feel the same way.