Summer Festival
Ven grips the walnut and winds up, preparing their magic…
They wouldn't normally condone cheating…but no one ever explicitly said "no magic allowed."
Besides, it's worth it, they decide, if it's for Aja.
Ven focuses on the walnut, sensing inside for any hints of life, but the core is dead, rotten, and their magic would be of no help without a viable seed.
Their eyes drift to the algal tanks behind many-colored screens, like giant green guardians overlooking the plaza.
Yes, maybe that will do, they think, and feel the familiar presence of chlorophyll with their magic.
If the panel spins, you win a prize, the man had said.
Ven considers the gears. The algae is supplying the power…so, maybe…
They take aim with their walnut, and throw, at the same time, reaching out with their magic into the algal pod behind the dragonfly screen…
And give it a little magical ✨boost✨
The walnut leaves their hand, the algae bubbles, and the screen spins. Success!!
Ven eagerly presents their prize to Aja.
⚘✾❁❀⚘
"I think I should name him Alfred."
"Alfred?“ Rem asks.
“Yeah. I dunno. It just seems to suit him." Aja absently pets the fur on the stuffed giraffe's head.
"Hmm," Ven says. "You should bring him along with you to math classes next semester."
"Why?“
“Because he'd be great at gi-rafs."
Aja's eyes grow very big, and she stops walking.
"Maybe so,” she says, “but he'll never be as good as you at Venn Diagrams."
Ven's face twists as if they've just tasted something sour, and they make a small choking sound.
"I don't think I deserved that," they groan, even as a smile tugs at their lips.
Aja gives a self-satisfied chortle, and continues past Rem and Venetus, cuddling Alfred in her arms. The wind ruffles her skirt about her ankles, and she turns to look over her shoulder.
"Come on," she says. "Let's take Alfred on some rides."
As Ven follows her again into the crowd, they can't seem to stop smiling.