DR | Crystal Light Fest (Cocoa)

Cocoa hummed as she began making her way down the merchant area of Honeycrest Village. It had only been a week since she moved to Dandelion Road, but she could tell that she was going to like living here. The people were friendly, the weather was beautiful, and often they’d have special events the citizens would celebrate. 

This month in particular was the Crystal Light Festival, to commemorate the day the aurora decorated the beautiful sky. Her aunt told her that legend has it that the Puffimis that created Dandelion Road didn’t want the residents to suffer from the freezing cold temperatures that plague the rest of the world. So during the coldest day of the year, the stars would reflect on the crystals of the world to create a natural warmth and light for those on Dandelion Road as reflected in the aurora. To celebrate, many of the merchants sell crystals, and it’s said that giving one to the one that you love and dancing with them on that night can be seen as a proposal. 

A small smile graced Cocoa's face. How completely romantic. She didn’t have anyone of her own yet, but should she ever find someone, she hoped to share in a similar dance one day. Until then, she would be content with walking along the different booths and vendors that have set up for the Crystal Festival. 

There was a wide array of vendors out selling their wares on such a special day. Plates, dolls, furniture, chandeliers—Cocoa practically lost track of the different things she saw so far. It wasn’t long before one caught her eye. 

"Dresses, dresses! Get your dresses for the Crystal Light Ball! These dresses are one of a kind, lined with small crystals that sparkle in the light!" an energetic Fluffian advertised excitedly. 

And there, gracing a slender mannequin, was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. From the neckline to its few flowing layers, it was a very simple plum colored ball gown, not complicated in the slightest. But the way the small crystals lined the dress, it sparkled in a dazzling way. Cocoa could only hope to dream she could make something so beautiful one day. Stepping closer, she let her fingers brush gently over the inlaid crystals. 

"Oh? Has this dress caught your eye, young fluffian?"

Cocoa jumped nearly a few feet in the air as a voice startled her out of her reverie. The vendor from before smiled apologetically and tipped their hat.

"I didn’t mean to startle you there. Are you interested in trying on this dress? We have changing rooms in the back. It’ll be perfect if you haven’t found your dress for the ball tonight yet!"

Was she really allowed to try on something so beautiful? But... even if she did try on this dress, in the end, would it really be worth it? It wasn’t like she knew anyone here other than her aunt. She wasn’t the type that made friends easily too. She would end up wandering around the ball for an hour or so before leaving, feeling as if she didn’t belong. Seeing everyone dancing with their family, friends, of lovers would just make her feel lonely. It wouldn’t be worth, it, would it. 

Smiling sadly, Cocoa shook her head, "No, it’s okay. I’m not planning on going. I just moved here, so I don’t know anyone."

Almost as if noticing her changed mood, the vendor smiled kindly, "Are you sure? This is the perfect time to meet new people."

Cocoa shook her head, "It’s okay. Maybe next year."

Hurrying away to avoid more encouragement from the vendor, Cocoa wiped at her eyes to hide the tears that were slowly coming. She didn’t have any friends where she came from. She always was so busy with schoolwork that she didn’t get the chance to make any. She was so lonely all the time. But it would be different here. It would be different. She would make sure of it!