It was a cold and chilly morning. The sun was just beginning to rise as the villagers began to prepare for Thanksgiving. There was the rich smell of freshly baked bread in the air. Tables were being set, banners were being hung and apples were being gathered for this day-long event. (This part of Spain celebrated traditional holidays; but they also celebrated American holidays because centuries ago, villagers immigrated from America and established this very town).
After waking up bright and early, Eva and the dogs were racing through the forest. She had so much energy from the anticipation of moving to America that she just had to run. The cold air was making her face numb, but she didn't care. To Eva, it felt quite refreshing. They ran and ran until they were stopped dead in their tracks. A stranger with a dark cloak was standing before them. He stood there with his eyes fixed on Eva; not saying a single word. "Umm, excuse me sir. Are you lost?" Eva asked between breaths. He said nothing as the wind ruffled his coat—and he gave an ever so slight smile. "Ok, then." Eva said, a little weirded out. She began to run again, and as she ran past him, he whispered, "Nothing is as it seems." "What?" She stopped to look back, but he was gone. Eva's eyes grew wide. "W-what the heck just happened? Where did he go?" Eva looked all about her trying to find him. Tater and Spud stopped to look back, wondering if Eva was going to keep going. She just sighed. "Let's go back, you guys. The festival will be starting soon." Eva turned around and walked back. "Was-that a hallucination?" Eva wondered as the dogs finally caught up with her. She took one last curious glance behind her, and then headed back.
By the time Eva returned, the people were hustling and bustling with activity. "Eva!" A girl with curly, red hair ran up to her. "Oh, hello Lily!" Eva said as she fixed her hair. (Lily is a friend from school; though they have grown rather distant over the past several years, since, as of late, Lily has been torn between being with people like Eva and being with the popular girls). "Aren't you just excited about the festival?" Lily asked. "Eh, well. To be honest, we seem to be having a celebration every other day, so it's starting to lose its thrill for me." Eva replied. "Oh, I suppose you're right. These sort of things were much more thrilling when we were children. I'm still a bit excited, though!" "Umm, Lily? There's something I have to tell you." "What is it?" "We're...moving." "What?!" In the meantime, Bertha and Craig were setting up their own booth with the delicious pies made the night before. "This is the perfect opportunity to tell everybody." Craig said as he drank some coffee. "Yes, but-it's not going to be easy. I'm going to miss everyone terribly." "So will I. But, it's for the best." Craig said as he looked away. Bertha glanced down as tears welled up in her eyes.
Back at the village, Miguel was strolling around and taking in the scenery. "Heh, dunno why it didn't occur to me that the festival meant no work." Miguel laughed. He stopped and stood before the lake. (This is where Annabelle and Miguel met every single morning). He sat down on the luscious grass and peered into the water, looking at his reflection. "What is she going to say?" Miguel wondered nervously. "My love!" "Annabelle!" Miguel said as he quickly stood up. "My, aren't you jumpy this morning." Annabelle laughed. "Heh, yeah. I guess I am. How are you doing this morning?" "Good as always!" She said, leaning in for a kiss. Annabelle sighed sweetly and said, "You always make my mornings brighter!" "And you make my life worth living." Miguel said as he took Annabelle by the hand. "Want to go for a walk?" She smiled, then said, "You know I do!" She said as they strolled down the cobblestone road. They kept walking until they came across a meadow filled with the more fragrant of flowers. "Annabelle." Miguel began as he faced her. "What is it?" "There's something-very important I have to tell you." Annabelle froze as she held her breath. "We're...moving to America." "What? No!" She cried as tears filled her eyes. "Wait, don't cry! I will stay behind." "You will?" Annabelle asked as she wiped away her tears. "I will. But-only if you can't come with us." "W-what do you mean?" "Annabelle. I love you more than anything! However, I've always wanted to leave this place to explore the world; just like my sister. You have my entire family's permission to join us so that we may travel the world together! Annabelle, I'm really hoping that you will come. But, if you don't want to, then I'll stay." He said as he caressed her face. "Miguel." Annabelle said as she held his hand and closed her eyes. "I really like it here. But, if seeing the world is your dream, then I want to follow you wherever your dreams take you." "You do?" "Besides, it sounds like fun." Annabelle smiled. Miguel smiled as well and said, "Then, we will go together! But, I don't want you to come just as my girlfriend..." "What?" "Annabelle." Miguel began as he kneeled down and opened a little velvet box that revealed a heart-shaped diamond ring that glistened in the sun. "Will you marry me?" "Oh, my God." Annabelle said softly as she delicately covered her mouth. "Yes! Yes I'll marry you!" "Oh, Annabelle!" Miguel said as he rose to embrace her. He slid the ring on her finger and they kissed as the wind blew flower petals all around them.
Back at the festival, Eva and Lily stood silently as tensions rose. "You're leaving? Why?" Lily asked, clearly being upset about the whole situation. "Because my dad is losing his job and we need to live somewhere where his job will be more stable." "Oh...well, that's too bad. I-can't believe this! We've been best friends for as long as I can remember! Will you write me, Eva?" "Of course I will!" She replied with a smile. "Ok, then! We'll keep in touch!" Lily said as she gave Eva a big hug. "Well, see you later! I'm going to help out with the decorations!" Lily said as she ran off. "Eh...why do I get the feeling you mean that you're going to go gossip now?" Eva thought with a sigh. It was 10am and the Thanksgiving Festival has officially begun! The town mayor (Mr. Gruff) stood on the platform to make the morning announcements. "My fellow townspeople! Today, as you know, is Thanksgiving Day! So, have fun during this magnificent festival! Today, there will be no work, nor school. The activities will include pie exchanges, bobbing for apples, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, dancing, carving pumpkins and of course, meals, which will graciously be provided by the town. So, enjoy!" The crowd applauded. As Mr. Gruff began to step off the stage, he stumbled back to the microphone. "Oh, I almost forgot! I have some rather sad news this morning." In saying this, the crowd began to murmur. "The Salvadores family: Craig, Bertha, and their dear children, Eva and Miguel, will-" "Hey! Don't forget about Spud and Tater!" Eva shouted out as she crossed her arms. "Uh hum, yes. And their mutts!" Eva frowned. "Will be moving to America! So, don't forget to-" As he said this, Miguel rushed up the platform and whispered something to the mayor. "Oh, and it would appear that our dear, sweet Annabelle, who became Miguel's fiancé as of this morning, will be going with them! So, don't forget to say your goodbyes!" The mayor turned to the Salvadores family and said, "On behalf of this town, we will miss you all." The mayor then stepped off the platform. The crowd became disappointed by this unexpected news. "Oh, Miguel!" Bertha exclaimed as she embraced him.
"Congratulations to you both!" "Thank you, Ms. Bertha!" Annabelle said as she hugged her. "Thank you, Mother." Miguel said as he put his arm around Annabelle. "Heh, we're going to be one big, happy family!" Craig said cheerfully. "Looks like we're going to be sisters!" Eva said as she gave Annabelle a big hug. "I know, isn't it wonderful? Looks like we'll be having a lot of slumber parties in our future!" Annabelle winked. A crowd slowly began to form around them to inquire about their move. "Whoa, I'm getting out of this crowd!" Eva said as she headed towards the festivities.
"Hmm, what should I do first?" Eva wondered as she wandered along casually with her hands behind her back. She soon heard a bunch of kids laughing and having a good old time as they bounced in the bounce house. "Hey Eva! Come and play with us!" Shouted little Carmen. Eva hesitated. "Well, I know I shouldn't. But..." She said smiling as she ran inside the bounce house. And it was only a few minutes later until Lily walked by and realized what was happening. "Eva!" Lily shouted as she dragged her out. This time, Lily was accompanied by a couple of high maintenance girls. "You're a lady! You know you're much too old for that!" "Oh, come on Lily! The kids made me do it!" One of Lily's friends laughed ever so smugly. "You really don't have any class, do you? Lily, my dear. Why are you friends with this outcast?" Lily began to look a little nervous. "Oh, uh-you know, Susan. I'm just trying to be polite and all..." Eva's blood began to boil. "Thank you, but I don't need your sympathy!" Eva said as she stormed off. "Eva!" "Let her go." Said Susan. "Yes, we shall be having much more fun without her." Amanda, her other friend, said as they took hold of Lily's arms to walk her away. Lily sighed as she walked with them. "I just want what's best for her." "My dear, she will never appreciate your noblest of intentions." Susan said as she giggled.
Eva ran off into the forest to dry her tears. "Why is Lily being such a jerk?" Suddenly, she heard faint whispers in the wind. "Eva." "Who's there?" Eva was startled. When she heard no reply, she tried to compose herself. "Perhaps I should tell Mom and Dad about these hallucinations. But-then again, I don't want to end up in an asylum! Surely it's harmless." Eva said as she walked back to the festival.
The festival went on all throughout the day. And despite Lily's outrageous behavior, Eva had a good time. At last, it was dusk; which meant the last event of the festival: The Thanksgiving Dinner. Everyone helped push tables next to each other in a great, big, flowery meadow until the setting looked like an enormous outdoor banquet hall. There was cooked turkey, stuffing, rolls, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie; and for a Spanish twist, sangria. Everyone took their seats and the mayor rose to give a toast: "To the best town in all of Spain!" "Salud!" They all replied. They then began to eat with conversation and great delight. "Eva." Bertha said. "What is it, Mom?" "Why did you bring the dogs to the feast?" She asked, looking a bit annoyed. Eva just laughed. "Because I wanted them to enjoy it too!" Eva said as she looked back to watch the dogs chase each other back and forth. Spud came over to greet them and Eva gave him a bit of turkey. (Tater was too busy chasing squirrels). There was a nice, cool breeze that rushed over to refresh everyone. "Ah! I never want this day to end!" Eva said as she leaned back on her chair. "But it will. And then a new day will begin." (Craig loved to speak in riddles). "Hey, Dad. You remember that story you told me the other day about God?" Eva asked curiously. "Why, yes." "If you believe in God, then does that mean you believe in Heaven?" "Well, of course I do. And so do you!" Craig said. "Do I?" Eva thought, a bit skeptically. Craig looked over at Eva, a bit concerned for her. Then he continued on with his meal. "Oh, Eva." Craig thought. "Going to America is going to open the door of your heart."