The night is young in the small town of Abiko. The moon is brightly shining but pales in comparison to the brightly lit streetlights in the town and the lively music played at the town plaza. It's the last day of the year 2021 and everyone is gathered at the town plaza to welcome the new year. Its a joyful evening for the townsfolk.
A lot of people are anticipating for the fireworks display which had become the tradition of the town during new year celebration. Ever since the invention of fireworks, the townfolks used it in place of firecrackers to avoid accidents. Also, its more beautiful than firecrackers.
There is a humungous Christmas tree at the northeast part of the plaza, just beside the fountain at the entrance of the plaza, at the western quadrant is a Santa Claus display holding his reign on 12 raindeer-like statues. At the Southeast and western quadrants were Angels and life size mannequins wearing fairy-like costumes. Then at the center of the town plaza is a kiosk designed with a japanrse inspired bridge and fishpond. At both ends of the bridge are artificial cherry blossom trees and green vines. The whole townplaza was bright and colorful, giving off a wonderful scenery for all to see.
The crowd are excited for the evening show. All of them are patiently waiting for the countdown while satisfying their eyes with the bright and colorful displays. Some were sitting at the park benches, while others roam around the town plaza and take pictures of the colorful displays.
There are families, lovers, group of friends. There are also some who are on their own. Some are there to spectate for a little while and marvelled at the throng of people. Some just passed by and does not intend to wait toll midnight. Some are growing impatient and some are enjoying the moment and wishes for it to not end.
It's a great sight to see for any onlookers. However, at the far eastern part of the town, lies a mountain which became gloomier if compared to the town plaza. Its covered with thick vegetation of large trees, herbs, bushes and housed various kind of animals. Most people in the town do not venture on this mountain because of the potential danger that can be found here. From poisonous plants to dangerous wild animals.
Yet at the cliff of this mountain, there are four kids beside an old oak tree. Three boys are sprawled on the green grass while a girl is sitting on a lowest branch of the tree as they watch the town plaza in the distance.
"Its very bright at the plaza!" says one of the young boys. He is wearing a white shirt and blue shorts, he is sprawled on his stomach and his hands supports his face as he watches the townplaza shimmers at the distance.
"Indeed it is, Matty." affirms the girl on the branch. "But nothing can be brighter than the moon and sea of stars above us."she added as she looks up the sky and watched the moon and stars. There's a dreamy glimmer in her eyes.
"I agree Alicia. The evening sky is still more beautiful most especially that it is always bright even if its not new year except during storms." says another boy who is beside Matty. His voice is softer and thinner compared to Matty. He is wearing a green polo shirt and red shorts. He appears to be the smallest among the three. He is lying on his back, his hands is supporting his head like pillows as he looks up the evening sky.
"Little Rico, don't bring up storms. That's bad luck!" reprimanded by the other kid who is lying sideways on the grass and is also watching the town plaza at the distance. He is taller compared to both Matty and Rico, also his build is healthier than the other two. In such, it seems like he is the oldest among the three boys. He is also wearing a green polo short and red shorts. He and Rico are actually wearing the same.
"I never imagined that you believe in such superstitions brother Lee." says Alicia as she jumps down from the tree branch and joined the others on the grass. She's wearing a jacket that's loosely hugging her petite body and a black trouser covering her legs down to her ankles.
"Sometimes, its worth beliefing in such." Replies Lee. He changes position and lie on his back spread his hands on his sides. He then intently look at the night sky and says "The moon has a different beauty tonight."
The three all looked up and nod their heads in agreement.
"Its like its greeting me " Happy birthday!" says Alicia.
Rico looked at her and says "Happy birthday!".
"Happy birthday!" The other two also greet her.
Then the four kids chuckled.
"Are we going to stay here until midnight?" asks Rico.
"Ofcourse, don't tell me you're suddenly chickening out?" says Matty.
"Ofcourse not! I just want to atleast eat big portion of the turkey at home."
"Ha, ha, ha, why bother with turkey when we can have a wild boar later ." says Lee
"Its different, they don't have the same taste." rebuttes Rico.
"Enough of that, we need to focus." scolds Alicia. " Its still four hours before midnight, we can look for hare in place of the turkey, after all I deserve a birthday feast."