#event: the pumpkin palooza

[veilxstars]

Location: Town Square (The Pumpkin Palooza) For: Anyone | @cardinalstart Character: Marisol Hargrove

The air buzzed with excitement at the annual Pumpkin Palooza as Marisol Hargrove glided through the crowd, her red dress swirling around her. She was a captivating figure and she knew it, her dark hair framing a playful smile that hinted at mischief. She was her mother's daughter - a woman meant to be on the outskirts of town and not welcomed by the respectable ladies - but she loved proving them all wrong.

“Remember that the magic only works for tonight!” she called, holding one carefully carved pumpkin high over her head. “They’re known to make you lucky —or lead you to some magical mischief. Just be careful which pumpkin you choose - you'll only be able to open one -- and last year, someone tried to have two, and they ended up dreaming of talking cats for a week! Find a pumpkin, make a wish and maybe it'll come true.”

With a wink, she beckoned curious festival-goers closer. “Care to join me on a pumpkin hunt? I promise, it'll be fun." For the witches present, they would know that she had infused the pumpkins with little touches of magic - the prizes inside were small simple things she had gotten from the vendors. A trial size of honey. A candy bar. A small toy. But all pumpkins had a little bit of luck and happiness. She set the pumpkin down next to her.

As Marisol gathered a gaggle of excited children and intrigued adults, she pointed toward the sprawling pumpkin patch. “We have pumpkins for everyone! Some are filled with playful tricks, others hold sweet treats, and a few rare ones contain something truly special! Who knows what you'll find.”

The crowd buzzed with anticipation. “Ready, set, go! Remember to check each pumpkin carefully. Some might look ordinary but could surprise you! Let’s see who can find the coolest treasure!”

Laughter erupted as everyone raced into the patch, eager to discover what lay hidden inside the carved wonders. Marisol stood back, arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face. “Don’t forget to share your finds with me! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!”

[veilxstars]

Arjun looked over at Leo’s pumpkin, eyebrows raised, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "A monstrosity? Come on, it’s... unique. We call that art in any other part of the world -- just don't look at Mrs. O'Reily's pumpkin, I think she carved the Notre Dame..." He leaned on his cane, using it to shift his weight slightly as he glanced between Leo and the half-carved creation before him. There was his normal gentleness, though his eyes betrayed the fatigue he usually tried to hide.

"Sometimes the imperfect things are the best, you know? They’ve got character. I'd totally vote for your pumpkin, if I was allowed to. Which, I am - so you've got my vote." He chuckled, low and soft, before taking a sip of his own drink, the spice of it warming his throat. He cleared his throat. Pumpkin -- he loved it. "Besides, magic would just take away its...charm. It’s good as it is." His words were easygoing, though matter-of-fact. Magic was magic, sure. But what would it prove? Would his magic-pumpkin beat Mrs. O'Riley's Notre Dame?

As Leo asked to see his pumpkin, Arjun hesitated for a moment, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn’t exactly known for artistic talent either, but this? This was something different. He had done his best, and he was pretty sure he had accidentally carved the summoning circle for Cthulhu. "Well... mine’s, uh, not quite finished either," he admitted, eyes flicking down to the half-formed mess of a design. "But here," he added, turning the pumpkin around slowly, revealing what was supposed to be an octopus, but somewhere around the way, his knife had slipped and he took out a chunk more than he wanted to and from there, it was all downhill.

"It’s... a work in progress. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t win any awards either." He let out a laugh, self-deprecating but good-natured. The warmth in his tone wasn’t forced, but there was always that slight edge, as if he was waiting for something heavier to settle in the background. Nothing good could last -- but he could enjoy the moment. Be present.

Arjun's eyes drifted down to the ground where Fiver, his ever-loyal service dog, lay beside him with his own version of a carved pumpkin—or rather, a half-chewed, slobbered-on gourd. The poor thing looked like it had been through a war zone, with jagged teeth marks and chunks missing. Arjun let out a small, amused sigh, nudging Fiver gently with his foot. "Fiver’s... taken a more direct approach to carving," he said with a smile. "Apparently, chewing counts as artistic expression now." The dog, oblivious to the chaos he'd caused, gave a happy wag of his tail, looking up as if expecting praise for his masterpiece.

"Honestly, between the two of you, I think Fiver might be winning," Arjun teased lightly, casting a sideways glance at Leo.

Closed starter: Arjun ( @veilxstars ) Event: Pumpkin Palooza - Pumpkin Carving Station

Taking a sip of his pumpkin ale, Leo sat back in his chair and eyed his half-carved pumpkin. It...well, it wasn't good, to say the least. "It...it's a monstrosity," Leo said, looking over at Arjun. "I know it's not finished yet, but...I can't see how it's going to improve." Really pumpkin carving wasn't Leo's thing, but with this being his third Pumpkin Palooza yet first time actually attending, he had decided that he was going to try and embrace the tradition and see everything it had to offer. Well...almost everything - he refused to do the apple bobbing contest because he spent too much time on his hair to make it look like he didn't spent any time at all on it just to get it wet.

So that was why Leo was sitting here in front of a pumpkin, carving what was supposed to be a happy face but was quickly turning into something unsettling and frankly a little terrifying. Leo never claimed to be an artist, and this was more than enough proof of that. Really it was almost impressive how far off base of his original intent this pumpkin was turning out to be. "I kind of want to use magic to fix it, but I'd probably just make it worse," Leo told Arjun. Looking over at his friend, Leo hoped he was having a fun time. He knew that Arjun had good days and bad days, and he wanted to make his friend's good days especially good, so this was part of that. "Can I see yours?" Leo asked. "Or is this a situation where you don't me to see it until you're done?"

[engelsindleuchtfeuer]

for: anyone! (cap of 4!) (2/4) event: Pumpkin Palooza @cardinalstart

Ludwig stood behind his booth; a warm smile etched onto his face. He surveyed the vibrant festival that was bustling around him. The crisp air carried a scent of pumpkin and nutmeg. While crisp, he was still able to keep warm by hovering his hands near the steam that was billowing from the pot of traditional German Glühwein. Pumpkins, hay bales and various other booths were scattered about, a perfect backdrop to the laughter and music mingling in the air. For three years now, he had been happy to call this festival, the Pumpkin Palooza, his favorite event of the year. Each year he shared a piece of his German heritage with the community. Every time he became a little more familiar to the locals and he reveled in this sense of belonging.

He waited for someone to approach and reflected on the faces that he'd come to know and love -- people who returned year after year, eager for a taste of the sweet, comforting beverage. Ludwig wore his traditional Pumpkin Palooza attire; a cozy vest over a white shirt, accented with a colorful fall colored scarf. It fluttered in the wind as he wiped his hands on an orange checkered cloth.

The Pumpkin Palooza was in full swing and a familiar pang of anticipation stirred inside of him as he scanned the crowd. He hoped to see some regulars today -- exhausted parents in search of a warm drink, friends perusing for free samples and perhaps a few new faces.

Then he spotted someone who appeared to be coming towards him. Ludwig gave a nod of his head, calling out with a friendly smile "Hey! You know you want some of this spiced German wine, come give it a taste!"

[coldxxwinter]

Starter for: anyone ( @cardinalstart ) Event: Pumpkin Palooza

Having grown up in Cardinal Hill, Winter was well-accustomed to Pumpkin Palooza, and he loved it. Every year he went, with his family when they were around and alone or with friends when they weren't, and the only year he'd missed it was when he'd had mono during the festival when he was...well, Winter couldn't remember how old, just knew it was sometime in his early teens. And that had only been because his family had forced him to, once even catching him sneaking out of his bedroom window. Otherwise, Winter spent as much time at the festival as he could every year, with Pumpkin Palooza being one of the happiest things in his life right now. And honestly...Winter felt like he could use as many happy things as possible right now.

Ever since he'd begun beekeeping when he was 12, Winter had spent at least some of the time at the festival markets. He had stocked up on honey, some of it even from last year because it hadn't quite been ready for the market then, and now he had a variety. After setting up his stall, Winter sat down behind it and waited, proud of what he had to sell. And it didn't take long for someone to approach. "Hey!" Winter greeted the potential customer, smiling at them. "Are you looking for anything specific? If not, let me suggest the pumpkin honey or the pumpkin spice honey, which sound the same but actually aren't. And yes, I do free samples." As he said that last part, Winter gestured to the small bowls of honey with labels in front of them, along with a variety of dipping options such as bread, naan, crackers, and the like.

[ritualove]

Open starter: @cardinalstart

Location: Town Square

Event #1: Pumpkin Palooza

Annette loves Pumpkin Palooza. From the amazing atmosphere, to the sweet treats, and the sheer amount of people that turn up, it's like her own little playground where she can eat until she gets sick, and do it all again tomorrow. For a whole week!!! To commemorate it, Annette loves to explore all the food, wine and beer sampling that could be found there on the first night, often doing a bit more than just tasting. She likes to get drunk on free wine and beer, to put it less subtly.

One thing to know about Annette as well, is that when she is talkative, especially when she has had a few. She loves to approach the most interesting person, or the person who looks like they're on a mission, or frankly just the closest person avaliable, and start a chat. Annette, hating to break tradition, is doing just that.

Approaching the target, Annette makes it clear that whatever they were doing previous is much less important compared to entertaining her. "Hi! Isn't Pumpkin Palooza great? What are you up to?"

[stcries]

grunkle stan's halloween palooza!

what's that sound? is that your bones quaking, or perhaps it's the music blaring in your ears. you approach a run down shack in the middle of the woods, adorned with intricate decorations, lights and sounds. enter if you dare, or can pay the ridiculous entry fee.

event run by cola ( @stcries ) view beneath read more for information.

the event will take place during the last week of october, from the 24th to the 31st. the event will start based off nz/gmt+12 timezone. this gives everyone enough time to prepare any resources they may need for the event, and also makes sure the event goes into the actual spooky date itself.

to make this event fair for everybody, those of you who have multiple muses, muns can only choose two muses to enter the event and no more than that. it gives everyone a chance to interact with different characters without worrying about too many duplicates.

anybody is allowed to participate as long as your muse has a gravity falls au/verse. canon characters, ocs, other characters from different series, everybody is welcome as long as the interaction seems plausible enough. given how mysterious monsters seem to show up on the regular in gravity falls, there's bound to be some spooky faces at this party.

nobody is obligated to interact with you. if you want interactions, it's better to reach out to people and start things then to wait for people to come to you. this event is all about having fun, so please, let's try to make everybody feel as included as possible.

if your muse is attending the party, grunkle stan has made it a rule that everybody must wear a costume. if you are going to participate in this event, you must make at least one post detailing your character's chosen outfit. describe it in written words, use aesthetic photos, or you could even draw it if you so please. this is simply for everyone to use as a visual reference when interacting with you.

awards will be given to the best costumes at the end of the event, one for the best dressed, and the other for the most creative outfit concept/idea. these will be sketches of your muse in their respective outfit by yours truly. please don't be discouraged if you do not win, this is all for good fun, and it means no disrespect to the effort you put in.

there will be daily activities that people are welcome to participate in. these will be games such as bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving, spin the bottle, face painting, perhaps even a dance competition. stay tuned to find out the schedule.

in order for everyone to easily keep track of the event, please use the tag "grunkle stan's halloween palooza" on your ic and reference posts when participating.

if you plan on participating in this event, please like/reblog this post and help spread the word. the more people at the party, the better! stan's spent a lot of money on this afterall, and he'd hate for it to go to waste.

if there are any questions you have, don't hesitate to reach out to me via dms or discord. this is my first time running an event like this, so i'm sure a few things are bound to slip through the cracks.

[twistxdcrafts]

with: OPEN ( @cardinalstart ) where: pumpkin palooza farmer's market & craft fair

beau always went all out for town events. not only was it an opportunity to make some money, but it was also a chance to connect with the community and provide fun and enjoyment. halloween and pumpkin palooza were two of beau's favourite annual traditions, and this year he'd been working hard for weeks to get everything ready.

his stall, proctor's farm & apiary, was jam-packed. he'd made candy apples, hot apple cider, slices of pumpkin pie and his salted honey pie, and pumpkin soup with a slice of homemade bread. he had pumpkin-shaped candles in various colours, and tall candles painted with pumpkins. he'd made fall-themed goat's milk soap, scented with cloves, ginger and cardamom. this year he was selling homegrown white 'ghost' pumpkins for carving and display. all his products, as usual, were free from cinnamon, as he hoped to provide something for those who didn't like or couldn't eat it, like himself.

finally, on either end of his two tables, he had an activity - apple bobbing (with prizes) on one side and a petting pen on the other, where the sweet-natured gertrude the goat and lucy the black, four horned sheep were waiting and eager to be stroked, scratched and fed a handful of feed.

it was slightly chaotic, and honestly, beau loved it.

"hey!" beau flashed a smile over his shoulder, greeting his stall visitor warmly. "looking for anything in particular, or just here to say hello?"

[bitethvhand]

open starter ⊹₊ @cardinalstart event ⊹₊ ⋆ pumpkin palooza

Tabby and Dot insisted their meek and mild sister open up a poetry stall, Eden used to do this all the time but while in college didn't have the time to keep it up. If she did make it back home for the event, she was visiting all the vendors and stocking up for her trip back home. But there was no excuse this time, she wasn't leaving early in the morning to drive cross country. So she gave in, opened up a stall and took a seat wondering if anyone would even show up. Dried flowers hung as decoration and she had a pallet of colored waxes strewn on the table. Placing a piece of paper in the typewriter, she began the task of people watching.

The witch was envious of the crowd, how easily they were all able to smile and laugh. For months, Eden has been filled with anxiety and worry, a feeling she used to have every once in awhile, now was a constant. Rubbing her temples, she did her best to focus on something else. "Just try to enjoy this Eden..." She muttered before placing her fingers on the keys and taking a deep breath.

[cardinalhq]

EVENT 02; HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT

Get ready for a frightfully fun night at the annual Cardinal Hill Halloween Fright Night! This year, we’re transforming our charming town into a haunted haven filled with thrilling activities and spine-chilling excitement for all ages. Prepare for an evening of ghostly glee! The festivities kick off in the heart of our town, where the vibrant autumn colors will set the stage for a truly memorable celebration. From the moment you arrive, the air will be filled with the sounds of laughter and music, creating a lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Halloween. Whether you’re dressed as a classic monster or a whimsical character, you’ll find yourself immersed in a community that celebrates creativity and fun. As twilight descends, the Town Hall transformed into a Haunted House will come alive with eerie sights and sounds. Venture inside, if you dare, and encounter spine-tingling surprises at every turn. This fan-favorite attraction promises to send shivers down your spine while providing plenty of laughs along the way. Don’t forget to bring your best costume for our exciting Costume Competition! With categories such as scariest, funniest, and most creative costumes, there’s an opportunity for everyone to shine. Make sure to register in the town square before the competition begins, as fabulous prizes await the most imaginative participants! The evening wouldn’t be complete without our beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail, where local businesses will be handing out sweet treats to all the little goblins and ghouls. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore our vibrant community while collecting goodies to fill their candy bags. Whether you’re a long time resident or new to town, we invite you to come together for an unforgettable Halloween celebration. Bring your family, friends, and creativity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories. Find more information under the cut!

Time: 4 - 11pm.

Date: 10/31/90.

Location: Town Square.

OOC information -

Similarly to the Pumpkin Palooza, the Halloween event is an annual event that has run for generations; locals will definitely be aware of most of the ins and outs of the event (though town officials always try to bring something new to it each year.

Characters are encouraged to dress up - whether or not they're entering the costume competition. Writers are encouraged to make visuals or posts reflecting their costumes!

Event interactions may begin immediately! As usual, event interactions are also encouraged to continue after the event's conclusion so that writers can finish threads.

Further event information -

In order to help with your interactions and knowledge of the event, here's some more examples of what residents can expect at the event.

Haunted House: Enter the eerie Haunted House inside of a transformed Town Hall, open from 5PM to 10PM.

Costume Competition: Show off your best Halloween attire and compete for prizes! Registration starts at 4PM in the town square.

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Kids can collect treats from local businesses from 5PM to 7PM - perfect for filling those candy bags! Trick or treating outside of this trail can also be done throughout the neighborhood.

Live Entertainment: Enjoy spooky tunes from local bands on a decorated Songbird Stage.

Pumpkin Carving Contest: Missed out on showing off your skills at the Pumpkin Palooza? Here's your chance at redemption. Winners will be announced before the costume competition!

Family-Friendly Activities: Face painting, hayrides, games, and a ghost story session await the little ones!

Food Vendors: Local establishments have set up stalls with spooky themed menus for the event, in case you fancy more than candy.

Please reach out if you have any additional questions!

[tabithaelicot]

Tabitha events 001: Pumpkin Palooza

Tabitha has always loved Pumpkin Palooza, and always wanted to have her own booth at the festival. She eventually convinced her old boss to create a stall for Shadow's Curiosities, branded as a special, once a year shop sponsored by Little Red Barn Antiques. She sells a mix of regular antiques and magical antiques with enchantments that are so old they barely work anymore and can easily be dismissed as a flight of fancy. While most of the objects are pumpkin adjacent, either in shape or color, some are simply old and interesting.

[bunnywalkcr]

who: @veilxstars mags harper ₊˚⊹♡ where: town square, cardinal hill, wa when: pumpkin palooza, night one ( event #001 )

All week, Bunny had felt the anticipation rise. Pumpkin Palooza was a historical tradition in Cardinal Hill, and one that almost always promised to boost local moral and strengthen community ties. In the wake of the uncanny windstorm and the damage it had wrought, Bunny supposed the town was in particularly dire need of something like this — something like a party.

Given the fact that both of her parents worked closely in community affairs, Bunny was occasionally part of the set-up ; there was something almost enchanting about the sprawl of half-assembled vendor tents and solitary pumpkins as far as the eye could see. When she'd stopped by earlier in the week to drop off supplies at a stall her mother was overseeing for the North Olympic Historical Society, she couldn't help but notice it was only a few tents down from the Whimsy Bouquet set-up. It was the perfect opportunity to repay the debt she owed a certain florist.

Armed with a thick wedge of pumpkin pie in one hand — complete with a dollop of whipped cream on top — and a to-go cup of hot apple cider in the other, Bunny picked her way through the swelling crowd. As she walked, she passed kids of all ages: babies swaddled in the arms of grandparents, teenagers weaving through the crowd in loose lines, little kids with painted faces and moms hard at work at the arts 'n crafts table. Already, she noticed growing lines for the apple bobbing station as well as the pumpkin painting tables. It seemed the festivities of Pumpkin Palooza were already in full swing, and Bunny wouldn't have been surprised if someone told her half the town was there, ready to celebrate.

She approached the booth that housed the Whimsy Bouquet's wide selection of flowers, trying to ignore the nervous twist of her stomach. Between the peonies and lilies, Bunny caught sight of a familiar figure, dark hair gleaming in the autumn sunshine. She flashed a nervous smile at Mags when she caught her eye, extending the paper plate and plastic cup out toward her like alms.

[veilxstars]

For: Anyone | @cardinalstart Character: Scout Location: Town Square - The Pumpkin Palooza

By early afternoon, the town square had transformed into a lively hub of activity, and Scout found herself navigating the bustling market with Bodhi—now affectionately called "Bee"—secure in her arms. The scent of baked goods mingled with the crisp autumn air, and while she appreciated the vibrant spirit of the event, her mind was more focused on the practicality of it all.

“Alright, Bee,” she murmured, glancing around. “Let’s see if we can find a decent pumpkin for the porch. Something sturdy, not one of those mushy ones.”

As they approached a stall laden with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, she noticed a vendor nearby demonstrating a pumpkin carving technique to a small crowd. The sight sparked a flicker of interest in her heart, but she quickly dismissed it.

“Maybe later,” she muttered to herself, shifting Bee to get a better look. “For now, we need to stay focused.”

Just then, a familiar face caught her eye among the crowd, and she raised an eyebrow, curious about what they might be up to at the festival. She helped Bodhi wave at them.

[wisestrawberryfury]

10 Creative Fall Festival Ideas to Make Your Event Unforgettable!

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, it's the perfect time to plan a fall festival ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether you're organizing a community gathering, a school event, or a corporate function, incorporating creative and unique ideas can take your festival to the next level. 

1. Pumpkin Palooza Parade

Kick off your fall festival with a lively pumpkin-themed parade! Encourage participants to decorate their pumpkins and march through the streets in a festive procession. This interactive activity is sure to captivate both young and old attendees.

2. Corn Maze Adventure

Create an intricate corn maze for visitors to navigate through. Add twists, turns, and interactive challenges along the way to keep participants engaged and entertained. Don't forget to offer prizes for those who successfully make it to the end!

3. Harvest Photo Booth

Set up a themed photo booth complete with hay bales, scarecrows, and autumn foliage. Provide props like oversized sunglasses, funny hats, and seasonal accessories for guests to use while capturing memorable moments. Share the photos on social media to generate buzz and excitement for your event.

4. Apple Cider Tasting Station

Nothing says fall like a warm cup of apple cider! Set up a tasting station where attendees can sample different varieties of this beloved beverage. Offer traditional cider as well as unique flavors like caramel apple and spiced pear to tantalize their taste buds.

5. DIY Scarecrow Workshop

Invite festival-goers to get crafty at a DIY scarecrow workshop. Provide all the materials needed to build their scarecrow, including hay, old clothes, and accessories. Not only is this activity fun for participants, but it also adds charming decorations to your event.

6. Fall-themed Pet Costume Contest

Encourage attendees to dress up their furry friends in adorable fall-themed costumes for a pet costume contest. From pumpkin pups to scarecrow kitties, let their creativity shine! Award prizes for the most creative, spooky, and hilarious costumes.

7. Live Music and Dancing

Create a lively atmosphere at your fall festival with live music and dancing. Hire a local band or DJ to perform festive tunes that will have guests tapping their toes and moving to the beat. Set up a dance floor where attendees can show off their best moves under the autumn sky.

8. Hay Bale Obstacle Course

Transform ordinary hay bales into an exciting obstacle course for festival-goers to conquer. Include challenges like climbing, crawling, and balancing to test their agility and coordination. Divide participants into teams and see who can complete the course in the fastest time.

9. Seasonal Food Truck Rally

Bring a variety of food trucks to your fall festival offering delicious seasonal treats and comfort foods. From pumpkin spice donuts to savory chili, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Encourage attendees to sample different dishes and vote for their favorites.

10. Fireworks Finale

End your fall festival with a bang by hosting a dazzling fireworks display. Illuminate the night sky with bursts of color and light, creating a magical spectacle that will leave a lasting impression on attendees. It's the perfect way to conclude a day filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Conclusion:

With these 10 creative fall festival ideas, you can elevate your event and ensure it's an unforgettable experience for all who attend. From pumpkin parades to apple cider tastings and carnival prizes there's something for everyone to enjoy.

[sapphirelords]

Pumpkin Palooza and the Ghastly Ghoul (wegamers)

PS. The main event post can be found here.

PPS. Originally posted on wegamers, this post is also on Twitter.

PPPS. Go back to the main Lords Mobile post here.

[s-gary-sutherland]

It's the last week for Pumpkin Palooza Dance Party at the Discover Cube OC. For the second year in a row, it brings great joy to my heart to be the Lighting Designer and Lighting Programmer for this show. Many thanks go out to Mitch at Wonder-Worx and the great team that I get to work with each year.

If you haven't seen it, take your family and enjoy it. closes 10/31

https://www.discoverycube.org/orange-county/events/pumpkin-palooza/

[ritualove]

Annette took a seat at the counter, free from her beekeeper get up, she was excited for the drink. She sat politely, leaning on the counter slightly, watching Winter work away. "It'll be hard but I think I can live without the marshmallows." Annette said jokingly, observing Winter explain that he needs to write down what he needs. "It's okay, I understand." She said to him. It made her think of a gift idea that she could get Winter, Annette isn't the best gift giver, especially on holidays, but she likes to get gifts whenever she thinks of anything.

Annette's mind turned to the future, and Pumpkin Palooza, which was coming up soon. Pumpkin Palooza is one of her favourite events around town, and she tries her hardest to enjoy as much of it as possible in the short week that it's held on. She is curious however, of what Winter is up to in the future. She is usually a pretty busy person, but she assumes Winter isn't, and not because he chooses to be, especially with how he was talking about his friend group size earlier. "Are you doing anything on Pumpkin Palooza? Maybe we could go play some games or something if you aren't busy." She said, nonchalantly, caring more than what she tried to let on.

It had been a good idea to share the bees with Annette, and Winter was happy to have shared this part of his life with his friend. He realized that Annette had become his best friend actually, which was a little funny given that they'd known each other for years and had only become friends relatively recently. Briefly Winter wondered if he had a best friend he had just forgotten, but if so, that friend hadn't reached out, so how good of a friend could they have been really? For a few more moments, he watched the bees crawling over Annette's arms, and they were so gentle with her that Winter knew she could have gone without the beekeeper's suit if she wanted to (though he also understood her caution). And it made Winter happy to see the way Annette spoke to them; it was the same way he did. "We'll be back soon," Winter told the bees after Annette had changed out of the suit, and then he headed inside with his friend.

A few minutes later, they were in Winter's kitchen, and he was rummaging through his pantry, hoping that he actually had hot chocolate. "Yes!" he exclaimed when he found it, emerging from the pantry triumphantly with the container held out like a trophy. He had put a kettle of water on the stove, and as it heated up, Winter got them both a mug. "I don't have any little marshmallows," he told Annette. "Sorry...I'm going to write myself a note to remember." Actually he thought he should do that now, so Winter pulled out the pack of sticky notes and the pen he always kept in his pocket and wrote it down. "If I don't do this right now, I'll forget," he explained, feeling a little embarrassed.