[Gift] Celebration

The celebration that occurred at the end of the year was always a big hit, hundreds, sometimes thousands flocked to town, the sea glittering in the background as visitors meandered through the decorated town, before heading down to the beach where a great bonfire was lit as darkness fell,and before the end of the night, an array of fireworks would light the sky. Of course, that is, if everything went right. This year, it seemed the elements had it in for them, storms wracked the coast in the days leading up, putting everyone behind. and leaving nerves frayed.

Helper peered around the corner, the morning mist obscuring her form, like others she'd come to see the celebrations; but soon she'd found herself doing little odd jobs here and there, reinforcing a steel beam, moving some debris, replacing lost tools here and there, chasing a couple of large, curious rodents away from the base of the bonfire. She just made sure she was hidden, anytime anyone saw her, she'd wave, and pretend she was just looking around. It was slow going, but for Helper, it felt right.

Finally night fell, and Helper eased away, clambering up on a nearby house, turning to look out as the crowds began to gather around the fire; in her paws she held a small box that contained dragon treats sold only during the celebration. She clapped as the wood came alight, the crackles of the sparks echoing around the beach, the flames soaring into the clear sky.

The first firework startled her, so taken by watching the flames of the bonfire, she didn't see anyone set it off, the bang making the small red and white dragon jump, before she laughed as the sparks flickered down. More and more were set off, lighting the sky in an array of colors, grey to dazzling white, red fading to gold, whistling fireworks that drooped. The time between sets became shorter, and Helper wasn't the only one waiting for the finale, her breath held as the celebration reached its end, the entire beach lit up, many closing eyes against the pure light that engulfed them. The Helper, not been as close just about managed to keep her eyes open, though she knew she'd be seeing light spots for quite some time. She clapped as the last firework trailed away, leaving the music echoing around the bonfire; she didn't make to leave yet, rather, she'd wait until the sun rose.