Sunshine Valley

Fall

     For as long as Evie could remember, Sunshine Valley’s biggest event of the year was their Fall Festival. She and her dad wondered down street after street of homemade crafts, candies and farmers selling garden vegetables. It brought back such pleasant memories of her childhood. Dillon had to be at work at 7pm. He joined them at 3 to wonder with them.

     “I really didn’t think this was a thing.” He accepted the majority of a candied apple from her that had been purchased, sliced. “Eating them off the stick is half the fun.”

     “Then give it back.” She teased.

     “Nu. No backsies. It’s mine now.” He smiled, hungrily eating a slice with the included stick. She giggled. 

     At the end of town, a hot air balloon was tethered to the ground. Her dad asked, “have you ever been in one?”

     “No. Would you like to go?” Evie asked.

    Rebecca and Simon stepped up beside them. Simon asked, “how far up do you go?”

     “80 feet.” The captain answered. 

     “For how long?” Rebecca asked. 

     “10 minutes.”

     “Capacity?” Evie asked.

     “Three, plus me.”

     “How much would it cost to do a real flight?” Dillon asked. 

      The captain wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to Dillon. He showed the paper to Evie.

    “Dad, would you like to go on a real hot air balloon ride?” He grinned like a child. To Evie’s knowledge, to attend her wedding, was the only time her parents had ever flown. 

     They chose sunrise for their balloon ride. Evie handed the piece of paper to the Ledbetter’s. Rebecca couldn’t conceal a cough. 

    “Take $100.00 off that for 2 people.” The captain commented. 

     “No thanks.” Rebecca snorted. 

     “Dress warmly,” the captain advised. 

Sunshine Valley