Chapter 28: Day Three – Festival of Fire and Friendship
Colorful lanterns lit the town square, each one swaying gently in the spring breeze. Stalls lined the streets, offering games, snacks, and glowing trinkets. The group walked together through the crowd, the soft chime of music playing in the background.
Jake trailed slightly behind, hands in his pockets, while Alya stuck close to Lisa, excitedly pointing at each food stall. Alex was snacking on fried dumplings, and Jacob had his eyes on Jake.
He finally spoke up.
"Hey… Jake. Can I ask something?"
Jake glanced at him. "Shoot."
Jacob hesitated, then said, "Why are you so quiet? I mean… you're not like what I heard."
Jake narrowed his eyes. "What did you hear?"
Jacob smiled gently. "Lisa… she talked about you. A lot. She said you were the funny guy in class, always laughing, making people smile—even when you got into trouble. Said you had this light about you."
Jake was quiet for a moment.
Then he replied, "People change."
Jacob frowned. "Why?"
Jake stopped walking, the crowd passing around them like waves.
"When you fall," Jake began, "deep into a hole—alone—without anyone to help you climb out… You change."
His voice was steady but low.
"You learn to live with the dark. You get quiet. You stop laughing, because no one's around to hear it."
Jacob looked shaken, unsure how to respond.
Jake added, voice softer, "But sometimes... someone reaches down. Pulls you out. For me—it was Alex."
Alex, walking just behind them, froze. His eyes softened, the dumpling in his hand forgotten.
Jake chuckled bitterly. "Guess I'm still climbing. But maybe this time... for you, Jacob—me and Alex can be the ones to pull you out."
Jacob's eyes welled up. Without a word, he pulled Jake into a hug.
"Thank you, man," he whispered.
Alex, suddenly emotional, stepped forward and wrapped his arms around them both.
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Alright, this is getting cheesy."
Alex snorted. "Shut up, you started it."
The three laughed through the tears.
From behind, Lisa and Alya blinked at the sight of the group hug.
Lisa tilted her head. "What's up with those three?"
Alya giggled. "No idea, but… they better not forget about the fireworks!"
---
Later that night
The sky exploded in color. Blues, reds, golds—all bursting like stars above the festival square. Everyone looked up in awe.
Jake stood beside Alex and Jacob, arms crossed, but a soft smile crept onto his lips. He glanced at Lisa and Alya laughing together under the lanterns.
And for the first time that night… he felt just a little lighter.