Avika let out a sigh of relief as soon as Naanai's ghost disappeared. Then she looked around, just to be sure that the ghost had disappeared and was not lurking around. Letting out a harsh breath, she got up. She dusted her hands on the cloak, full of mud and dirt. She grimaced, trying to remove dead insects from her long nails. The surrounding seemed rather dark and ominous as it was no longer lit by her great-grandmother's shinning orange ghost. 

Finally done with trivial jobs, she let her long hair loose, her scalp hurting from trying her hair since so long. While doing her hair, she thought about Naanai's warning and scene with Tania. She was struck between a ghost or possessed body. Honestly, the ghost scared her more. Imagine your loving great grandmother coming back from dead just to threaten you.

She shuddered and then steeled herself. Enough of dilly-dallying, she thought, I have to do what I have to. Why not just do it my way? I will go, enjoy Night Fair, and get the comb and the thread. How hard can it be? She thought, a shaky smile appearing on her face. The atmosphere seemed relatively light, as she gathered her courage. Yes, I can do it. 

But...what if I fail? Another thought immediately popped up, with this new courage. A thrill of fear passed her spine, as Naanai's warning again crossed her mind. No, I can't fail. I won't. She thought and straightened her shoulders. 

With this new determination sparked from fear, she started walking. The uneven road under her shoes felt less daunting, and the whispers of the trees felt less haunting. As the mist had cleared, she was clearly able to see the huge lights that danced in the air. The lights of The Night Fair.

She looked around, hoping to see another sign from her friend, who had left her directions. Leaves shaped like a dove. Nitara clearly had some skills. The dove's beak pointed in south direction. Avika gulped seeing a thick bushes in the south direction. The road didn't follow south, and she had no idea how to get their without directions. Swallowing her thoughts, she willed herself to walk in that direction. Narrowing her eyes, she walked through the bushes, moonlight shining on the path. Thorns stuck her; she closed her eyes, just hoping any insect or something won't crawl up her legs. Her canvas shoes struck the dead leaves near those bushes, crunching sound echoing all around.

Finally after a five minute of walk through bushes which felt like eternity, she reached her destination. Slowly opening her eyes, she marveled at the sight which lay in front of her. 

Huge pillars made from bricks stood in front of her. Each brick had small hole which was filled with bag full of fireflies emitting pale yellow light. As if under trance, she took a step forwards and traced the hole. Her lips parted and something inside her urged to go in. 

Naanai--who cares about her--the fireflies are so pretty. She thought, involuntarily taking another step. She was just a foot away from entering the Night Fair. Sweet fragrance of lavender wafted towards her, as orange smoke billowed from transparent cloth which was draped along the pillar. A small plank joined both of the pillars. In middle of pillar was written:

THE NIGHT FAIR

 She exhaled, her eyes narrowing at orange smoke. Orange. Naanai's ghost. As if suddenly out of trance, she sneezed. Wiping her nose, she remembered what was her purpose was; and the fireflies suddenly felt little less enticing. 

Find the comb and thread. 

But why? She internally asked herself, when I can do better things. She could heard chattering noises calling out for her. The grass seemed greener on the other side. She could hear violin being played, she could hear the swooshing sounds made by the rides; tempted her to step in. They urged her, called her name out. She took another small step, feeling dizzy with anticipation. All she had to do was take another step and she would be in. But something stopped her--she felt something was holding her back. 

Naanai? She thought, scratching her head. Yes, Naanai had told her something. Something to do before entering the fair. 

But the lights never felt as shiny as they did at the moment, and she decided to let it go. She tried but she couldn't remember what Naanai told her. She tried to snatch a glance inside; tiptoeing slightly, and finally not able to hold herself, she stepped in.