The morning sun was already high when Arielle stepped out of her apartment, tugging the light sweater tighter around her shoulders. The street below buzzed with energy — far more than usual. Stalls lined the sidewalks, children ran between them, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze.
The annual Seaside Festival had finally arrived.
She had almost forgotten about it.
Almost.
But Maya hadn’t.
“You’re coming,” her friend had insisted two days ago, dropping a stack of flyers on Arielle’s desk at the studio. “It’s tradition. Everyone goes. No excuses.”
Arielle had hesitated, tempted to refuse outright. Crowds weren’t something she sought out anymore. Being around too many strangers — too many pairs of eyes — made her uneasy.
But Maya wouldn’t take no for an answer. And besides, th
