104

You want to take Marlowe's mind off of some of those more difficult feelings, but at the same time, you don't want it to seem as if you're just ignoring what they had to say. Instead, you try to think of something that might remind them that it's not so bad if they have to stay in town for a while.

"I know it might not be your favorite place, but do you mind if I ask what it's like living here for a long time? I haven't even been here a week, so I'm just curious. Like, is there anything big that happens in the year? What are the different seasons like? I can imagine the town is really pretty in the winter."

Marlowe gives a slightly wistful smile and nods.

"Yeah it is. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like the town itself. Everything lights up over the holidays, and all the stores compete with their decorations. There are food festivals a couple times a year, and obviously there's the fair in the summer—but my favorite is probably the Pumpkin Parade in the fall. It's basically just a way of showing off the pumpkin harvest, but over the years, it kind of turned into this whole tradition where everybody goes out at night with candles and just watches the pumpkins go by. It's pretty low-key, really—there aren't any big floats or anything, because the actual pumpkins are the whole point—but it's just a really pretty sight. Then afterwards there are fireworks, and people selling pumpkin pie and sparklers and stuff, and—it's just really nice. I used to love going when I was a kid, and it still has this kind of magical feeling about it."

They smile to themself, getting caught up in memories for a moment.

"Maybe it sounds kind of boring if you didn't grow up with it, but I still think everybody should go at least one time. I still look forward to it every year."

It's not long before the band returns—but when they start to play again, their music is suddenly far more lively and upbeat than before the intermission. They play through one short song that, while still keeping some of that dreamy quality, is just a lot more fun-sounding than their earlier music.

Once the song finishes and the audience seems reenergized, the band pauses.

"We're going to play a few more songs tonight," the lead singer says softly into her microphone. "And this next one is a request from us to you as well as a song. It's called 'I Think We Should Dance'—and we would love it if you would dance with us."

The lights over the rest of the room rise a little, and as the music starts again with the same light, upbeat tempo as the last song, a few people get up and start to dance in the space that's been cleared of tables.

Without saying a word, Marlowe looks at you—smiles in excitement—and tilts their head towards the dance floor.