The festival's first evening drew to a close, but the air buzzed with the energy of the days yet to come. Lanterns flickered in the soft breeze, casting golden hues across the village square. Linda, though fatigued from the day's events, stood at the edge of the festivities, watching Chris's parents engage in conversation with her family. She could hardly believe the harmony she was witnessing.
As she turned to find Chris, she felt his hand slip into hers. "You okay?" he asked, his voice soft but steady.
Linda glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I think so. It's... surreal, seeing everyone get along."
Chris chuckled. "Honestly, I was half expecting my mom to make some awkward comment about the food or for your dad to challenge my dad to a drinking contest."
"Don't tempt fate," Linda said, laughing quietly.
The two stood together, enjoying the rare stillness amidst the bustling square. But their moment of peace was short-lived when Linda's younger cousin, a mischievous boy of about ten, tugged at her sleeve.
"Linda, come quick! Grandpa wants you by the fire."
Linda exchanged a look with Chris. "Grandpa?" she whispered, her heart sinking slightly. Her grandfather, the family patriarch, was known for his sharp tongue and traditional values. If anyone was likely to stir the pot, it was him.
Chris gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll come with you."
They approached the large fire at the heart of the square, where Linda's grandfather sat on a low wooden stool, his cane resting beside him. His sharp eyes fixed on Linda the moment she stepped into the firelight.
"Linda," he began, his voice gravelly but commanding. "Come sit. And bring your... young man."
Linda hesitated but obeyed, sitting cross-legged on the ground beside her grandfather. Chris settled beside her, his expression a careful balance of respect and curiosity.
"Grandpa," Linda said, her voice steady but respectful. "This is Chris."
The old man nodded slowly, his gaze appraising Chris in a way that made Linda's stomach churn. "So, you're the one who took our Linda away."
Chris, to his credit, smiled warmly. "I prefer to think of it as her letting me into her world."
Her grandfather chuckled, a sound that seemed to startle even Linda. "A smooth talker. I like that." He leaned forward, the firelight casting shadows across his weathered face. "But words are cheap. Tell me, young man, what do you truly know about her? About this place?"
Chris didn't falter. "I know that Linda is the strongest, most determined person I've ever met. I know she values family and tradition, but she also wants to create something of her own. And this place... it's part of her, isn't it? It's her roots. I see it in the way she walks through the village, the way she talks about you, about the people here. She carries it with her everywhere she goes."
Linda's heart thudded in her chest. She hadn't expected such an earnest answer, let alone in front of her formidable grandfather.
The old man regarded Chris for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "You speak well. We shall see if your actions match your words."
Linda let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her grandfather's approval, though cautious, was a significant step forward.
As they stood to leave, her grandfather added, "Young man, remember this: when you marry one of us, you marry the whole village. Be ready for that."
Chris grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
---
The next morning, the village awoke to the sound of drums, signaling the official start of the New Year festivities. Linda, now fully immersed in the spirit of the event, found herself running from one task to another, ensuring everything went smoothly. Chris's parents, to her surprise, were fully engaged as well-his mother helping the women prepare food and his father lending a hand with setting up the main stage.
As the day wore on, Linda caught sight of her father and Chris's father deep in conversation again, this time over a shared bottle of palm wine. She couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Looks like they're becoming fast friends," Chris said, appearing beside her.
"Who would've thought?" Linda replied, shaking her head. "I was so worried about them clashing."
Chris nudged her playfully. "Told you it would be an adventure."
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival reached its peak. Villagers gathered around the central stage, where traditional dances were performed, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and singing. Linda and Chris sat together, their families nearby, watching the vibrant display.
As the final dance concluded, Linda's father stood and raised his hands for silence. "Tonight," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd, "we celebrate not just a new year, but the unity of our families. This festival is a reminder of who we are and the bonds we share. And tonight, I want to honor those bonds."
He turned to Chris's parents, bowing slightly. "Thank you for coming and for embracing our traditions. You are part of our family now."
The crowd erupted into cheers, and Linda felt tears prick her eyes. She glanced at Chris, who looked just as moved.
"Well," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "I guess there's no turning back now."
Linda laughed, wiping at her eyes. "You're stuck with us, Chris."
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied, pulling her close as the celebration continued around them.