Lost In The Cosmos

Chapter 2

The small crowd cheered as the young girl danced, her brightly colored dress and her gold plated jewelry shining brightly as she did impressive flips and turns. The girl danced to the beating sound of the small crowds clapping, her bare feet striking the dirt below her with each clap. 

After her routine, she stopped and bowed as people cheered and threw bronze and silver coins at her feet. She collected all her tips and gave the departing crowd an award-winning smile before she headed back to her family. 

As she arrived at the busy ports, she pulled out a small list that her father had given her earlier in the morning. 

Fish, salt, rice, dry meat, and corn. 

After briefly glancing at it she walked around the stands, admiring all of the sweet smelling freshly baked pastries. 

After getting the things on the list she started to head home. 

The sun was starting to set in the horizon, turning the darkening sky vibrant shades of orange and purple, small stars started to appear in the sky, scattering across the darkness. They were like the freckles on her copper-colored face. 

A harsh gust of icy cold wind blew her long black hair behind her, some strands getting caught on her nose and pink strawberry lips. 

Her family’s temporary home was a small, one-room cottage. She approached the entrance, the deep sound of here fathers laughter and the high pitched giggles of her mother sounded like the sweet melody of a street band. Her lips formed into a small smile as she skipped to the door and walked inside the warm home. Both her mother and father greeted her, her father pulling her into a bone crushing hug. She escaped and walked past him and placed the bag of groceries by her mother who gave her a kiss on her forehead.

She pulled out her small red knitted bag that held the leftover earning today, but her mother's warm hand stopped her, and she looked up in confusion.

“Keep it Scarlet, you deserve it.” Her mother said softly, a smile spreading across her face. 

“But Mamma,” Scarlet’s voice of complaint was interrupted by her father,

“You heard your mother,” he said sternly. Scarlet’s father was a peaceful man, one who didn't raise his voice, even in an argument, but she didn't miss the slight irritation in his voice. She sighed in defeat and put the pouch back in her dress pocket. Both of her parents smiled. 

Soon the small one-room house was filled with the smell of dinner, making both Scarlet and her father’s mouth water. Scarlet’s mother was an exceptional cook, adding just the right amount of seasoning or spice to the dish she was preparing for her husband and daughter. 

Dinner consisted of small talk about work or what town they would move to the next. As a gypsy family they often moved from country to country, from city to city. Every few months they would pack up what little belongings had to find a new home. It was hard work, and it made it hard for Scarlet to find good friends but she had her family, and that's all that mattered. 

Near the end of dinner, her father's face lit up as he reached into his small jacket pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment paper. He unfolded it. In bold black letters, It read:

“To the people of the Kingdom of Polut, it is time for the annual Cosmos Festival celebrating our rich history of freedom. All are welcome, the event will  last for three days. This is a time for celebration.”

At the bottom of the page, it was signed by the king and queen along with the royal seal of approval stamped on the bottom in purple wax. The Sina family had only been in this kingdom for three weeks. 

“Mamma can we go?” Scarlet shouted excitedly, she had never been to a festival before. She could only imagine the cheers of people and the fun times she will have with her family. 

“Why would I bring it home if we wouldn't go?” Her father laughed, Scarlet's cheeks heated up in embarrassment, she hadn't thought her question though. 

“It's getting late, Scarlett. Off to bed with you.” 

Scarlet hugged and kissed her parent's goodnight and went to bed, having dreams of colorful flowers and confetti.