Chapter 83: The Genie

“Kind of a lousy way to spend Thanksgiving, don’t you think?” Luke asked.

Hallie shrugged. “Fighting with my family is always lousy. I’m sorry you had to leave because of me, though. And now you’re alone on Thanksgiving, like me.”

“I’m fine. We don’t even have Thanksgiving in Sarkadia.”

Lucille came back and asked for Luke’s drink order. He said, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

“I like that,” Lucille said, giving Hallie a ‘meaningful’ look as she went to mix the drink.

“What kind of holidays do you have?” Hallie asked in idle curiosity.

“We have the Winter Sled Festival. It’s all about sliding down snowy hills and grabbing lollipops.”

“Did I hear you correctly?” Hallie was surprised to find herself cracking a smile.

“Yes, grabbing lollipops that are planted upright in the snow. It’s kind of a winter sport.”

“Sounds fun!”

“My favorite is the Spring Balloon Festival,” Luke said wistfully, “All the flowers are blooming, and people ride hot air balloons over the mountains.”