Flash Fiction: The Festival
Writing by Emma Elizabeth Mathes
Photography by Ari Adams
We practiced our routine to perfection. Each troupe had been given a different Basque folk dance. The patterns of fast footwork ran through my head as I fell asleep each night. An elderly woman came in and gave a history lesson. Months of preparation went into this moment.
And, I was nervous. Playing with my hands, I scanned the scene, taking in our surroundings. If I was one to tend towards over-simulation, it would have happened in this moment. But instead, the vibration of the crowd pleased me. As I looked back, I caught eyes with Mamá. She smiled at me, and I knew it was time to begin.
