The late afternoon sky was strakes with the colors of sunset--orange, lilac, fading blue. it looked like a painting someone forgot to finish, the kind of sky that make people stop and stare without knowing why. Lanterns strung between tents flustered gently in the breeze with students, teacher , and the colorful booths. Laughter echoed. the scent of grilled food  lingered in the air , mixed with the sweetness of cotton candy and something nostalgic that no one could name.

On the small outdoor stage near the middle of the courtyard, the sound system crackled to life-soft feedback hum followed by the faint click of a mic being teste. The crowd stirred, conversations dipping in volume as all heads began to turn.