The house stood as a shimmering beacon of green in the soft glow of the magical streetlamps outside. Every corner seemed to celebrate the theme of the festival—the chimney wrapped with garlands of emerald vines, the rooftop adorned with verdant banners, and even the doors of each room decorated with intricate patterns of green silk and ivy. The scent of fresh leaves and blossoming flowers filled the air, blending with the faint hum of festival music wafting through the village.

As Emma walked through the passageway with her mother, Vivian, and her elder sister, Ellie, she couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation of their home. Despite the beauty around her, Emma’s thoughts drifted to her father.

“Where’s Dad?” Emma asked, glancing at her mother.

Vivian smiled softly as she adjusted the hem of her dress. “He’s already gone out. He wasn’t too worried about you, dear. In fact, he said it was a sign you were growing up—stepping out of the library for once.” Her eyes sparkled with a touch of humor. “He always joked that you might grow up to be a scientist instead of a child.”

Emma blinked in surprise. Does Dad really think that about me? she wondered, a faint smile creeping onto her lips.

Ellie, trailing behind them, chimed in with a cheerful voice. “You should come out with me more often! I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

Emma turned her head slightly, offering her elder sister a small, genuine smile. “Maybe I will.”

They stopped before the door to Emma’s room. Vivian pushed it open, and Emma’s breath hitched as her gaze fell on the dress hanging just inside her wardrobe.

The gown was stunning. Its vibrant green fabric shimmered faintly under the glow of the magical chandelier. The design was elegant yet simple—a long, flowing gown tailored to fit perfectly, adorned with delicate green flowers embroidered onto the shoulders. A slim, green fabric belt cinched the waist, adding a touch of refinement. Beside it, a pair of matching green shoes sat neatly on the floor, their glossy surface reflecting the light like polished jade.

Emma couldn’t tear her eyes away. She stepped forward, her heart swelling with awe. “Is this the dress?” she asked, turning to her mother with a wide, childlike grin.

Vivian nodded, her own smile warm with pride.

Ellie clapped her hands excitedly. “Mom made it herself! She made all the festival outfits for the family.”

Before Ellie could finish her sentence, Emma threw her arms around Vivian, dragging Ellie into the hug by grabbing her leg since she wasn’t tall enough to reach her. “Thank you! I love it!” Emma exclaimed, her voice muffled against her mother’s shoulder.

Vivian laughed softly, wrapping her arms around both girls as Ellie chuckled in delight. From behind them, Ethan her twin leaned against the doorframe with a smirk. “You should put it on already,” he teased, “before a magical sheep mistakes it for grass.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Ethan and Ellie walked away, leaving the Emma and their mother to the moment. Vivian helped Emma into the dress, zipping it carefully at the back.

As Vivian stepped back to admire her handiwork, Emma turned, her hands smoothing the fabric. “When we get to the festival, I want to sit next to the elf girl I met,” she said earnestly. “I promised her I would.”

Vivian nodded approvingly. “If that’s what you’d like, then you can sit wherever you’re most comfortable.”

Emma’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thanks, Mom.”

Vivian stepped back further, looking her daughter up and down. “You’re beautiful,” she said, her voice filled with motherly pride.

Emma glanced at her mother with a mischievous smile. “You’re beautiful too.”

The family soon regrouped in the main hall, each member clad in their festival attire. Ellie’s dress sparkled with green crystals sewn into the edges, the light catching on them to create a dazzling effect fit for royalty. Ethan’s ensemble was simple yet dignified—a tailored green suit with a bow tie that gave him an air of maturity.

But it was Vivian who stole the show. As she stepped out, the siblings’ jaws dropped. Her dress was a masterpiece—a flowing green gown imbued with shimmering textures that seemed alive. The fabric sparkled as she moved, like tiny fireflies had been woven into the design, though there were none. The gown seemed to glow faintly with a gentle, enchanting light.

“It’s imbued with healing magic,” Vivian explained with a chuckle at their stunned expressions. “Anything that’s dying during the Green Festival can be revived with just it's presence.”

Emma’s curiosity bubbled over. “Can magic really do that?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Vivian smiled, her eyes twinkling. “It can. I’ll teach you one day—when you’ve awakened.”

Emma nodded eagerly, and the family shared a moment of quiet admiration before they made their way out.

As they passed through their garden, fireflies danced in the air, their soft glow blending with the moonlight. The flowers, freshly bloomed, seemed to hum with life under the festival’s magic. The family walked gracefully toward the gate, their hearts light with anticipation for the night ahead.

Emma glanced up at the sparkling sky and whispered to herself,

“Life sure is beautiful.”