A large crowd had gathered in the square ahead. They had built a bonfire, and young people were singing around it. It was a moment of brief relaxation and peace, a respite from their heavy work and exhaustion.
Evelyn Ford grabbed Ronan Kendrick and ran toward the main square. Strangers wished each other a "Happy New Year." Evelyn jumped and bounced around like a madwoman, whooping uncontrollably. Ronan, afraid someone might bump into her, formed a protective perimeter around her.
The fireworks at the base hadn't finished yet. Strangers had smeared Evelyn Ford's face with charcoal ash. When she was finally tired of jumping, she leaped onto Ronan Kendrick's back and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Ronan Kendrick, let's go home."
Carrying the exhausted Evelyn Ford on his back, Ronan Kendrick made his way out of the crowd. People they passed grinned and greeted him loudly, and Ronan would nod slightly, replying, "Happy New Year."
