After we gathered everything, Gram held her hands to the sky and said,
“Your blessings fill our hearts, and we thank you for the gifts. Bright blessings.”
“Bright blessings,” I repeated as we clasped hands and headed back to our
home.
Chapter
Fourteen
When we returned home, Cole and Meg were dressed and waiting in
the kitchen. Cole had scrambled some egg whites with fresh
parmesan, asparagus, and chives for us.
"A man that cooks," Gram said. "Chester would burn water if I
let near my stove."
Cole scored even more fantastic boyfriend points when he offered to clean up while we got ready.
“Mara, it’s time to go,” Gram called up to me. “We’re leaving with or
without you.”
I had spent more time than usual getting ready. The Lunar Festival was my
favorite time of year. With one last look at my dress, I felt confident in my choice. The knee-length red summer dress and my black cowboy boots would be
comfortable enough for work and still dance in later if the mood struck. I had styled my long, black hair with loose curls and pulled the sides up and out of my
face.
I joined my family, who was already seated inside our silver pick-up. The
bed of the truck was loaded with the boxes full of items we would be selling. As
I slid in next to Cole, Meg began grumbling about being squished. Cole picked
her up and put her on his lap, silencing her complaints.
“Let's not be cranky, today. It’s an important time for our town to join
together and celebrate,” Cole whispered. “Besides, it will be even more special,
tonight, since you’ll be in your first Lunar Dance.”
Meg's frown was replaced with a bright smile. She excitedly began to chat
about the upcoming dance she would perform.
By the time we arrived on Main Street, the wooden trade stands had been set up
at the end of the street, and the stage was ready for the night's performances. We
made our way to Gram's booth. While most of the shops were simple wood
stands with a tabletop to present their goods, Gramp had designed a store for Gram, making it stand out.
Soft music welcomed visitors to my grandmother’s shop. Once they entered,
they were awed by the beautiful details, such as ivy vines and small flowers ornately carved into the chestnut wood. When they were finally ready to shop, there was a variety of homemade items to buy. There were shelves filled with bottles of tonics and elixirs, deep bins for the loaves of bread and pastries, and a
rack for dried herbs. It always felt magical to me when I was a child. Unloading
Gram's merchandise, I felt the same feeling return.
Once everything was set up, Meg said, “I have a present for you, Mara.”
I carefully opened the pink tissue paper that she had used to wrap the gift.
Inside, I found a yellow note with words written in Meg's childlike handwriting:
Sister for Sale – Beware
