Morning sunlight touched the golden fields around the bakery. From the open window, Haruto could already hear laughter and music drifting in from the town below.
The Festival of Lights was today—Evermere's biggest event of the year.
Every summer, people came together to thank the land for its blessings: the harvest, the bread, the fruit, and the simple joy of living another year in peace.
Haruto had helped prepare for days—baking loaves, wrapping sweet rolls, and drying flowers for decorations. Even though he had already met many townspeople, this would be the first time he would see them all gathered together in celebration.
Kaori was already up before dawn, her sleeves rolled up as she pulled hot trays from the oven. Ren, her husband, worked outside loading the cart with baskets of bread.
"Careful with that, Haruto," Ren said as Haruto lifted a big wooden box. "That one's full of honey loaves."
"I've got it," Haruto said, grinning. "They smell amazing."
Kaori smiled softly. "It's the honey from our own hives. Sweet as the summer air."
Ren looked at her fondly. "Sweet as you, maybe."
Kaori gave him a playful glare, but Haruto could see the small smile she tried to hide. They were always like this—warm and teasing, a gentle love that filled the bakery like sunlight.
The Walk to Town.
When the cart was full, the three of them began the walk to town. The dirt road wound through soft green fields, dotted with wildflowers. In the distance, Evermere glowed with bright banners and lanterns already strung up across the streets.
Haruto walked beside the cart, enjoying the morning breeze. "It's beautiful today," he said.
"It always is during the festival," Kaori replied. "The whole town feels alive."
Ren nodded. "Wait until night falls. That's when magic begins."
By midmorning, the town square was full of people. Stalls lined the streets—selling fruit, candles, jewelry, and bright ribbons. Children ran past carrying paper lanterns shaped like stars and suns.
Kaori and Ren set up their stall near the fountain. Haruto arranged the bread neatly, making sure the golden crusts shone in the sunlight.
"Looks perfect," Kaori said. "We'll sell out by noon."
And she was right. Within hours, their stall was surrounded by familiar faces.
"Haruto! The usual sweet rolls, please!"
"Kaori-san, your honey bread is even better this year!"
"Ren, you've outdone yourself with these buns!"
Haruto laughed as he handed out loaves, already knowing who liked what. The children from the nearby farms came to help, bringing baskets of flowers to decorate the stall.
Kaori leaned over to Haruto and said quietly, "You fit right in here."
He smiled. "Thanks to you and Ren. You both taught me more than just baking."
Ren chuckled as he wrapped another loaf. "That's because baking's easy—it's learning to belong that takes time."
Haruto looked around at the smiling faces, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of bread mixing with flowers. He realized Ren was right. But somehow, Evermere made belonging feel simple.
After lunch, the square turned lively with music. A group of villagers played flutes and drums, while others danced barefoot on the cobblestones. Haruto helped hand out free bread slices for the children, who giggled as they danced with crumbs on their cheeks.
Ren joined the other men fixing a large wooden frame near the fountain—for the lantern ceremony later that night. Kaori stayed by the stall, chatting with her friends. She waved Haruto over.
"Go enjoy yourself for a bit," she said. "You've worked hard."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she said, smiling. "Festivals are for living, not just working."
Haruto nodded and walked through the streets. He watched people paint small lanterns, braid flower crowns, and trade sweets. A group of older ladies stopped him and handed him a pink dumpling on a stick.
"For the baker boy!" the laughed. "To keep you strong!"
Haruto thanked them and ate it slowly, smiling. Every taste reminded him that this world, this simple life, was real.
As the sun set, soft orange light filled the sky. The festival music grew slower, more peaceful. Lanterns were lit all around the square—hundreds of them, glowing like tiny stars.
Ren handed Haruto a small paper lantern. "Write a wish," he said.
Haruto held the small brush in his hand. He thought for a moment before writing carefully: I wish this peace lasts forever.
When he looked up, Kaori and Ren were already standing side by side holding their own lanterns.
"What did you write?" Haruto asked.
Kaori smiled. "It's a secret."
Ren winked. "Mine too. But maybe one day, we'll tell."
They laughed softly. Together, they walked to the river where the townspeople were gathering. The reflection of lanterns shimmered across the water.
At the signal, everyone released their lanterns at once. The lights floated upward slowly, like fireflies rising into the night. Haruto watched in awe. It was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen—peaceful, glowing, and full of quiet joy.
Later, when the festival ended, the three of them walked back up the hill toward the farm. The air was cool now, and the only sound was the rustle of grass and the chirping of crickets.
Kaori leaned gently against Ren as they walked, tired but happy. Haruto pushed the empty cart behind them, smiling quietly.
Ren turned to him. "You did well today, Haruto. The people really like you."
Haruto nodded. "I like them too. This place feels…safe."
Kaori looked back at him. "That's what Evermere is. A safe place for hearts that need rest."
Her words stayed with him all the way home.
When they returned, the bakery was dark except for the soft glow of the oven. Kaori set down a basket and sighed happily.
"We sold everything," she said. "Not one loaf left."
Ren stretched his arms. "Then tomorrow, we rest."
Haruto sat by the window, looking out at the faint glow of the town far below. A few lanterns still floated in the sky, slowly fading.
Kaori brought him a cup of warm milk. "Here. For a good day."
He took it and smiled. "Thank you…for letting me be part of all this."
Ren sat beside them, resting his hands on the table. "You're not just part of it, Haruto. You're family now."
For a moment, Haruto didn't know what to say. He looked at the two of them—Kaori and Ren, laughing softly together—and felt his heart fill with quiet warmth.
Outside, the wind blew gently through the wheat fields. Inside, the bakery smelled faintly of sugar and ash and peace.
Haruto closed his eyes, his heart full.