The Mating of the Moons

"The Mating of the Moons" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction story that examines the search for what's real in an artificial Martian playground built for Earth tourists. The central character, Madeleine, feels increasingly distant from the false Martian experiences created for visitors as she travels to Mars with her parents. Madeleine, feeling directionless and obedient, has a life-changing encounter with a reclusive old Martian hermit, which makes her realize how empty her life is and makes her yearn for true love and genuine connection. Madeline's journey is fraught with desire and worry as she struggles to reconcile fantasy and reality, which ultimately sends her down a tragic path as she looks for a profound significance that cannot be found in this superficial world.