The Festival Day Approaches

The next day burst forth with enthusiasm; they set off to the festival energized by the promise of festivities. Javier tried to immerse himself in the joy around them—the sounds of laughter, colorful booths, and tantalizing smells wafting through the fairgrounds.

But the entire atmosphere felt layered with tension. He glanced at the time constantly, each ticking second sending jolts of anxiety through him. He had a messaging app open in the background, where Sharla’s messages awaited responses—light and breezy but cloaked in the need for caution.

As the day progressed, he forced laughter with Maria and the kids, all while feeling an undeniable pull toward Sharla. “Look at that!” he exclaimed, pointing towards a colorful stall selling handmade crafts, yet part of his mind was elsewhere.

“But Dad! We want to try the rides!” Lucas shouted, tugging his hand insistently while the sounds of merriment echoed around them.

“Sure! Let’s do it!” He feigned a wide smile, but inside, he felt unreachable.

After the exhilarating rides and shared snacks, exhaustion began to settle in. While Maria tended to the kids, Javier excused himself for a moment, ducking behind a nearby stall to check his messages.

He quickly typed a response to Sharla: “Can we meet up tonight? It’ll have to be late—family commitments running long.”

Moments later, her reply came through, sparking a rush of anticipation. “Yes! I’ll be waiting for you under the old oak tree behind the festival grounds around 10 PM. Just be careful!”

He felt adrenaline surge through him; the same giddy thrill was there, yet tinged with the fear of getting caught. Glancing back at his family, he was simultaneously enraptured and tormented by the impending secret meeting.

When they returned to their cottage later that night, Javier’s heart raced with anxiety over the plans he hoped would unfold. Maria kissed the kids goodnight, and as the house quieted down, the tension began to tighten once again.

With the children tucked in, Javier knew this was it. The moment he had been waiting for—even if it was cloaked in uncertainty. He slipped out into the cool night air, anxiety dancing within him as he made his way toward the festival grounds.