After saying that, Jordyn noticed the other lanterns were just as cute and eye-catching. Hugging her rabbit lantern, she drifted from one display to another, carefully picking through them again.
Celeste didn’t interrupt.
She stayed by Jordyn’s side, letting her browse at her own pace. After a while, she spotted a restroom not far away and turned to Trevor. “Keep an eye on Jo. I’m going to the restroom.”
“Okay,” Trevor said.
Once Celeste left, Trevor watched Jordyn, who was completely dazzled by the sea of lanterns. He smiled, patted her head, and said, “Since you like them all so much, why don’t you ask Shanice what she thinks?”
Jordyn’s eyes lit up. She had completely forgotten about video calling Shanice.
With that reminder, she quickly pulled out her phone and started a video call. Over the past year, Shanice had mostly been living with her grandparents. Even though they didn’t talk every day, their bond hadn’t faded at all.
Shanice’s grandparents were always happy to see Jordyn call, and this time was no different.
The moment Shanice’s grandmother saw the screen, she happily handed the phone over.
Shanice’s face lit up. “Jo, Happy New Year!”
“Happy New Year!” Jordyn beamed, lifting her lantern into view. “Look—what’s this?”
“Wow! A rabbit lantern! And there are so many others—they’re all so pretty!”
Seeing the colorful lanterns behind Jordyn and the lively crowd around her, Shanice’s eyes filled with envy.
“Jo, did you go out to have fun?”
“Yep! I’m out with my mom and dad.”
As she spoke, she tilted the phone toward Trevor. He bent slightly and smiled.
“Happy New Year, Shanice.”
“Happy New Year, Mr. Fleming!”
Jordyn had meant to let Celeste say hello too, but since she wasn’t back yet, she added, “My mom went to the restroom. When she comes back, I’ll let you talk to her.”
“Okay!”
They chatted a little longer before one of Shanice’s elders called for her, and the call ended soon after.
Once the call ended, Jordyn went back to exploring. By the time Celeste returned, Jordyn suddenly remembered she hadn’t introduced her to Shanice—but the thought slipped away just as quickly when something else caught her eye.
“Mom, let’s go over there!” she said, tugging at Celeste’s hand.
“Okay,” Celeste replied.
Jordyn pulled her along eagerly, with Trevor following behind.
The three of them wandered around for nearly three hours.
Even with all her excitement, Jordyn was still a child. By a little past ten, her energy had finally run out. She grew quiet, her eyelids heavy.
Noticing this, Trevor scooped her up.
“If you’re tired, let’s head back. We can come again next time.”
Curled in his arms, Jordyn yawned and nodded. “Okay.”
They had come out mainly for her anyway. There was no need to stay out until midnight like everyone else.
Celeste was about to agree when Jordyn suddenly tugged at her sleeve, looking up at her sleepily.
“Mom… you’re free tonight, right? You can come home with us?”
She yawned again, rubbing her eyes.
“Even if you have to cook for Grandma tomorrow… you can go back to Granny’s house in the morning, right?”
