Everything was festive. Little girls danced around, clapping their hands in glee. Little boys ran shouting and laughing through the streets. The parents were too busy and too happy to stop them. Shopkeepers cleaned their windows and arranged their goods in the most pleasing manner. The street sweeper swept the street with special care. The baker put extra garnishes by his baked goods. Everything had to be perfect.

You see, King Theo was coming to town. Recently, this country coronated him as king. Things improved greatly after he took over. The farmer could tell you of certain improvements which helped him produce more. The baker would inform you that the price of flour had dropped, and the street sweeper would be sure to inform you that his living conditions were more pleasant. In general, everything was going well for the town and thus everyone was excited for the king’s arrival. The villagers had invited King Theo as a way to say thank you.

Madeline shook her head as she looked up from her book, “Who do you think will ever listen to you,” she asked. The question was directed at Erica who was singing warm-up scales across the room. Erica shrugged, “Someone will,” she said with quiet determination.

“Do you see concert halls full of people in your dreams,” Madeline asked contemptuously.