They closed the shop earlier despite the number of customers still shopping. Yolly became increasingly distracted, and Lia was thoroughly exhausted.
It was almost midnight, but the fun in town continued. Fesal at night was different compared to the times when Lia visited at daytime. The colorful decorations and lighting, the people, and the overall festive air transformed their small town. Everyone on the streets was lively and joyous, celebrating with their loved ones and exploring the area. Some were dancing near the fountain where a group of musicians was performing. The number of people tripled with visitors from the neighboring cities and towns coming in to join the fun.
Lia watched the happenings from the second floor of Yolly's shop. Save for the occasional laughter below that could be heard inside, their room was anything but jovial like they were far from the world the people outside lived in. The tension was palpable as Tamara continued to work, and Frankie was still sick. Yolly and Lia found their places to sit and waited as the light pink liquid trickled from the filter. If Tamara was right, this would counteract the addictive properties of the drink.
"Alright, I'll give this to Frankie now," Tamara said when it was finished. "That is, do you trust me with this Yolly? I'm not sure if this will work, but we don't have the time or anyone to test this on."
"Of course, my la--," Yolly nodded weakly. "Of course, I trust you."
Tamara disappeared in Frankie's room while Yolly followed her. Lia paced back and forth, not knowing what else to do. She went to the kitchen, trying to distract herself by preparing a snack. After a moment, Tamara came out of the room.
"He's fine now. He woke up for a moment while I was there, but he didn't fight back, thankfully. The fever's gone, too," she answered Lia's unspoken questions. Tamara tried not to show, but from her stance, Lia could tell that she was tired too.
"Why don't you take a seat? I prepared tea." Lia passed the cup and the plate of the remaining bread. "Do you think it will work?"
Tamara gave her a feeble smile. "Hopefully. It's really helpful that you're here to help me."
"I didn't do much." Lia laughed, trying to hide her awkwardness with the compliment she received. "You'll be able to find it without me."
"Maybe," Tamara shrugged. "But it'll take me longer. Much longer."
"Well," she drawled, "I have the best teacher."
Her mother laughed, and Lia felt like that sound relieved the tension that was around them all day. She resumed her place near the window and watched the people below.
"Why don't you go and join the fun?" Tamara asked.
Lia shook her head. "No need. I already went out earlier. I'm content here. It's like being an audience."
"That's running an errand, Lia. What you should do now is to enjoy. Join the dance or whatever young people do these days."
An idea sprang in Lia's head, but she immediately squashed the thoughts away. Tamara guessed anyway.
"I said young people, I'm hardly young. Besides, I'm ready to sleep."
Neither of them mentioned the dangers of the crowd for Tamara. Instead, she said, "It's late."
Tamara laughed. "Aren't people your age love staying up at night? It's the festival, Lia. As you've seen below, there are still many people around, and most of them are sober so you don't have to worry."
That part was true. One would think that it was still early evening what with the ruckus in the area.
"Would you really be okay here?"
Her mother plucked the cup from her hand and steered her away from the window and towards the stairs. "We'll be fine. Don't worry. Go. Enjoy." Tamara sent Lia her gentlest smile.