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The Doll Festival, one of the most anticipated celebrations to be created by the Ground. A time of wonder and joy allowing people to not only showcase their doll based instruments but also bond over fun and food. Many look forward to this now yearly tradition.
“August let’s go! You’re going to spend all our money on the games!” Eishia complained meekly, tugging at her older brother’s arm in an attempt to get him away from the stands.
They had spent more than 30 minutes in front of the same booth, a comedic scene of two siblings arguing in rather eccentric costumes for those passing along.
“Hey hey! I’m just tryna get enough of those cool bead necklaces. Bet I can make some killer fits with them!” August gleamed, knocking out the tower of cans for the 5th time in a row.
August had mastered all of the classic carnival games ever since he was little, now taking any opportunity he could to win the biggest prizes. Especially if said prizes could help him in creating new uniforms for the Cleaners.
He didn’t care if people stared or laughed, he had thick enough skin to ignore them. Unlike Eishia, who was a lot more self-conscious of what people thought of them.
Eishia was starting to get more stressed at every new person murmuring behind them, her hands going to her sleeves to fidget as a way to distract herself.
“The others are probably waiting for us.” Eishia tried to reason, hoping the other would finally listen.
But instead, August simply blew a raspberry as a response.
“You gotta relax, loosen up a little! We’re supposed to have fun first and foremost!”
August’s eyes were still glued to his game, never even sparing a glance to his sister.
Eishia frowned at his lack of attention, she was used to him being stubborn with what he wanted but… there were some times where she wished he tried to consider her feelings a little.
He could at least take her to some place else that was less crowded. Couldn’t he see how her fidgeting had now turned into her digging her fingers into her palms?
Eishia’s anxiety was starting to rise, she didn’t want to feel suffocated by the loud noise. She hadn’t even accepted to come because of her job as a Cleaner in the first place. She mostly did it as an excuse to spend time with August.
They never really had any more time to hang out because of work so this was supposed to be a good way to fix that.
But it seemed that wish was too much to ask as Eishia squeezed her eyes closed in an attempt to not cry from all the overwhelming sensations.
This was far too much, even for someone who’s used to working under pressure.
But that moment, she suddenly felt someone holding her close as her eyes went wide. She looked up in confusion just to find August comforting her.
He had somehow heard her quiet distress and had rushed over on instinct, even abandoning the large bag of all the gadgets and gizmos he just won.
“You good? Is it too noisy right now?” August asked in a calming tone, his face showing worry over his little sister.
Eishia simply stared, it wasn’t often she saw him act so “normal”. It was quite jarring to his usual personality.
Eisha nodded.
“Ok, why don’t we go get some snacks then. Anything you want, I’ll pay for it!” August gave his signature smile, earning him a small chuckle from Eishia.
Eishia hesitated at his offer, just a few moments ago she was thinking to herself how much August never paid enough attention to her needs. And now here they were, holding hands like they did when they were small.
Eishia stuttered out her response as she kept her head down to avoid the harsh colored lights of their surroundings.
“I-I’d like a caramel apple.”