The night was really dazzling. It was a shame other adults weren't out to see it. Fireworks streaked the night sky, against the back drop of a cloudless night and a full orange moon. Everyone was outside, no tents our houses. They stretched out into the night like they were trying to be stars shining down on their friends. The band kept playing, a deep thumping rhythm beat against their hearts as they jumped and dance, and a playful brass instrument screamed and shrieked a shrill call toward the stars. It felt like a battle cry, rallying one to war. And with the stomping bare feet kicking up dirt, and the explosions of fireworks and the flash of bonfires shifting color; it felt like one.
Or a revolution. It was like a a rally against reality. For one night they would fight it and be free of it's oppressive grip. Tomorrow, it would return. But they had this night, and that's all that mattered.
Among this pandemonium, Nek would chance to see Nenise alone, sitting at the edge of a crowd. She had the queerest smile on her face; it spoke of a satisfaction that didn't need the approval of others. Her eyes glanced gaily as children threw powders in the fire, and the colors shifted happily. The girl was a strange contradiction. On one hand she looked alien from the festivities. She looked like a faint ghost, happy, distant, but cold and forever unreachable. And yet, at the same time, she seemed to fit right in. Blending with the crowd, one couldn't tell where it ended and she began. The fire glowed purple, much brighter than some of the other powers, and illuminated her short cut hair and simple dress perfectly. She was beautiful. She was radiating with life. She was alive!
And she was alone.
--
The girls continued to chase after TJ relentlessly, brandishing combs like hatchets. Their rejuvenating laughter could probably be heard for miles. Hyped on sugar and the mood of the evening, he wouldn't evade them so easily.
