The festival exploded into life as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Lanterns cast warm light across Hollowtown's square, transforming the beige buildings into something almost magical. Music filled the air. Nothing professional, but earnest. A trio of villagers had found instruments somewhere and were making enthusiastic noise that resembled melody if you were generous.
Grace stood at the edge of the square, watching suppressed emotions burst free. A couple spun past, laughing at their own clumsy footwork. Children raced between dancers' legs, shrieking with the pure joy of being allowed to shriek.
[This might actually work.]
"Grace!" Alia, one of the two biggest reasons this happened, materialized at her elbow, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. "Stop lurking and dance!"
"I'm not lurking. I'm observing."
"That's literally lurking with extra words." Alia grabbed her hand. "Come on!"
