What do you do at a festival? Someone super smart would probably say this: "At a festival, you give thanks for all you've received, and you pray for what's to come." Those things are certainly true. But is that all there is to it?

What do you do at a festival? Someone super witty would probably say this: "At a festival, you have fun with other people, and you sit alone with your sadness." Those things are certainly true. But surely there's more to it.

What do you do at a festival? Someone super cynical would probably say this: "At a festival, you rally people together, and you keep them in line." Those things are certainly true. But that alone feels somewhat empty.

I decided to ask the shrine maiden. Faced with all the answers I'd collected so far, I figured she'd at least pretend to think it over. But her reply shot out like a bullet. "All of them are right. And all of them are wrong." I had no idea what she meant. Seeing me tilt my head in confusion, she let out a smug little laugh and held out her hand. "What's the use in overthinking it? Taking part is what counts." She made it sound like as long as you think you understand, you don't actually understand anything at all. Though I doubt she could've explained that even if she wanted to. In a way, I knew she was dodging my question. And yet, I took her hand anyway. I got my answer soon enough. But putting it into words just doesn't feel right.

What do you do at a festival? Someone out there would probably say all kinds of things. But I'm not asking them this time. Trying to define anything about a festival is certainly a mistake. The real answer is found in the people who take part. They give thanks. They pray. They have fun. They experience sadness. Maybe festivals are held to bring people together. Maybe they're held just to see who will come. Everyone has their own answer. And every answer matters. So I joined in. And for now, I'll stop writing here. Because what could I even write next? Putting this feeling of excitement into words feels impossible. Besides, I'm on the clock. If I waste any more time, the festival will be over. I have to change into something nice, swing by the book rental shop... then go enjoy the festival for myself!