Kai and the Colors of the Night

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[GENTLE] The sky above the mango grove was painted in streaks of pink and gold. [PAUSE] Kai the firefly fluttered his tiny wings, just waking up. [PAUSE] The air smelled like warm sugar and flowers—Holi had been so much fun! [PAUSE] But now, the bonfire was just embers, glowing softly like a sleepy orange eye.

[CURIOUS] Kai zoomed close to the ground. [PAUSE] What was that? [PAUSE] A puddle of water shimmered with swirls of blue and pink. [PAUSE] It looked like the gulal colors had danced right into the rain! [EXCITED] Kai dipped his wing into the puddle. [PAUSE] The water felt cool and tickly. [PAUSE] [CHAR_START]Oh! It’s still magic![CHAR_END] he giggled.

[JOYFUL] He fluttered higher, his little light blinking on. [PAUSE] Below, the children were packing up their pichkaris, their clothes splashed with rainbow splotches. [PAUSE] A gujiya sweet rolled into the grass, and Kai landed beside it. [PAUSE] [CHAR_START]Mmm, still warm![CHAR_END] he said, nibbling the edge. [PAUSE] The sweetness made his whole body tingle.

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