Maria looked around at the children flooding into Maria Land—dozens of them, fresh from school, their faces bright with excitement. They ran from stall to stall, laughing and shrieking, their joy infectious.
She had insisted on this.
When Cassius had asked what else she wanted, she had told him that she couldn't possibly enjoy all of this alone. What was the point of a festival if no one else could experience it?
So Cassius had opened the gates. And now children filled the paths, playing games, eating sweets, watching the performers.
Parents followed behind, smiling at their children's delight. Even a few elderly couples had wandered in, drawn by the music and laughter.
Maria waved at a group of children passing by, and they waved back, their faces lighting up at her smile.
She turned to Cassius, her hand still in his, her eyes shining with anticipation.
