The Evening of Great Delight

    The Evening of Great Delight was the most fantastical evening Esmerelda had had in her life. The neighborhood adorned the lamp poles and trees lining the streets with strands upon strands of lights.  Purple, gold, blue, and white strands stretched along the road as far as she could see, and up above they made a magical canopy, like an elegant ballroom taken right outside to her front yard.

    Nicki and Ramona joined her, and together they strolled along the street admiring the various carnival performances and rides. They weren't interested in riding; watching was wondrous enough. Tigers roared at them from a cage, sparkling butterflies soared through the air before fizzling out into smoke above their heads, and bouquets of dazzling pinwheels blinded them as they walked by.

    Before long, it was time for the Grand Display of Marvelous Wonders. A firework shows the dads in the neighborhood had been planning for months. Esmerelda's dad was part of the team. She'd grown irritated listening to him talk about it, but she inside she was quite excited for the show.

    Esmerelda, Nicki and Ramona found seats on the lawn and gazed up as the show commenced. The sky began to mimic what they'd strode through earlier in the evening. Bursts of purple, gold, blue, and white lit up the sky, creating an even grander ballroom than Esmerelda could have imagined. Though now she did imagine herself swaying at a ball to the captivating music accompanying the show.

    After the finale, Esmerelda, Nicki, and Ramona each walked back to their homes, tired and ready for bed, but eager in hopes that this would become a wonderful tradition.