Chapter 18: Festival

The group, Petrichor, Tonic, Fen, Wynn, and Prism, all head outside to the apartment’s mini festival. Wynn insists that Prism leads; “A group should follow the pace of the slowest mover, so that no one gets left behind. This way, Prism can feel at ease and able to practice getting around with the crutches, and we will all be able to enjoy the festival.” So Prism leads with Wynn nearby to assist, Petrichor chats, while Tonic keeps an eye on Fen (who follows along behind holding a stone and looking through the no-longer-birchbark journal).

Tonic is in awe of all the amazing sights, sounds, and smells, then sneezes. “It’s like a festival back home! (achoo) But here all the booths are metal caravans. I smell sweet and savory, something baked, (achoo) something smoky, and… something fresh? Tangy, like fruit! (achoo) Sorry for all the sneezes, I guess I have some nose-overload. It’s kind of dizzying to try to take it all in!”

Wandering the festival at a relaxed pace, Petrichor and Wynn point out and explain such marvels as food trucks, cell phones, cars, street lamps, electrical wires, cement (not seamint), fire hydrants, debit cards and square readers. With pretzel, tabbouleh, bubble tea, and poutine for sharing, the group finds a bench and a bit of grass to sit on and enjoy their snacks.

Prism plops down heavily, ready for a rest. “Even going at my own pace, this is exhausting! I’m definitely doing better than I was, though. Thank you for the crutches and guidance.” Wynn smiles broadly while eating a forkful of cheesy, bacon-topped poutine fries, and Petrichor says “We are happy to help!” while offering the tabbouleh and bubble tea. Fen sits on the end of the bench, and continues looking through the journal. Tonic sits on the grass next to Prism’s seat on the bench and says with concern, “I’ve noticed that Fen mostly follows along with the group, but never engages in conversation, and seems to somehow be in some different headspace than everyone else. What do you think is up?”

Wynn looks a bit startled at this, and after hurriedly finishing the bite of poutine asks, “Is Fen’s behavior new? My neighbor is autistic, and behaves very similarly. I thought Fen was autistic too.”

Prism gives a worried huff. “Oh no, Fen is usually energetic and out-going, full of ideas and sketches. This quiet, introspective Fen is new. What is Autism? Is it like losing your ability to get around?” the sprite gestures at the crutches.

Tonic looks melancholy. “I feel like I’ve lost the thread of the story. We started this trip because of me. It’s been a wild time! But now I might have hurt my friends...again… and… maybe this isn’t worth it? I’m just looking for Graemes. But Graemes always shows up again. I’ve had my adventure. I’ve finished my Wanderlust. Maybe we are done? How do you know when a story is done?”

Wynn corrects, “Autism isn’t bad! It is just a different way the brain functions. It isn’t usually something that happens suddenly as an adult though. One of the difficult things with introverted autistics is that they are quiet, they don’t speak up for themselves, and so they can easily get left out, or even be forgotten. Keep track of your friend, okay?”

Petrichor passes the bubble tea over to the gnome and adds. “You know, big adventures aren’t for everyone. Epic quests are grand, but they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Different people need different adventures. For some people taking a boat to visit a cousin is a huge adventure, for others it is trying new food or doing a new job. Still others don’t feel adventurous until they are hang-gliding off of a live volcano. Everyone is different. Travel changes all of us, and our travels are all different. Our ‘ordinary’ is all different.”

Wynn nods and adds, “One of the fun things about having adventures and trying new things is getting to settle down and think about it all. Take time to remember and learn from the experience. Oh! I need to get to work. Thank you for the visit! Prism, are you okay now?”

“Yes, yes,” the sprite assures everyone, “I can do okay now.”

Wynn hurries off.

Fen doodles little clouds, ponds, plants, bowls, and blankets next to various blobs in the once-birchbark journal. Prism hands over some snacks and says, “Fen? Eat something, okay?” The brownie takes bites from the offered food while continuing to draw in the journal. Tonic stares off at the festival.

Prism turns to Petrichor and asks, “Is Wynn a fairy who came over when very young?” the sprite pauses at using a new word, “She… seems very used to the World of Myth. Tonic, could Wynn be from Curious Rituals?”

Petrichor’s head shakes ‘no.’ “I think she’s from here, but I’m not sure. I’ve never actually spoken to Wynn about the Land of Legends.”

“Graemes’ book!!” Tonic yelps. “I had forgotten! Where is it?!” The gnome begins rummaging through the peach pack. “Augh! My Mighty Teaspoon Hammer! What’s happened to all our stuff?!”