Hey there, story lovers!
If you haven't watched the video yet, check it out above! The lantern festival in Swansea is about to kick off, but for Hannah, it's more than just a celebration—it's a haunting reminder of her mother's legacy. Today, we dive into the setup and the initial unease that Hannah experiences.
What’s making Hannah so uneasy at the lantern festival?

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the town square of Swansea, where the annual lantern festival was set to begin. Vibrant stalls adorned with colorful fabrics and twinkling lights lined the cobblestone streets, their cheerful decorations a stark contrast to the weight that pressed upon Hannah's chest. At seventeen, Hannah stood at the edge of the bustling crowd, her long dark hair swaying gently in the evening breeze, yet she felt as if she were encased in glass, separated from the laughter and joy that surrounded her.
Hannah's expressive eyes wandered over the preparations, but her mind was elsewhere, tangled in memories of her mother. The whispers of townsfolk floated through the air, snippets of conversations that spoke of the lantern's curse, a legacy that Hannah had inherited but never asked for. Each flicker of the lanterns seemed to echo her mother's name, a haunting reminder of the expectations that loomed over her like a shadow.
As she helped set up the lanterns, Hannah's thoughts drifted to the stories her mother had shared, tales of hope intertwined with regret. The lanterns, once symbols of guidance, now felt like chains binding her to a past she struggled to understand. The weight of her mother's legacy pressed heavily on her shoulders, and with each lantern she hung, the flickering light seemed to pulse ominously, as if sensing her inner turmoil.
Hannah! called Ethan, his short, messy hair catching the last rays of sunlight. He approached with a sketchbook tucked under his arm, his casual attire a stark contrast to the vibrant festival around them. Are you ready for tonight?
Hannah forced a smile, but the tension in her chest tightened. I guess so. Just... thinking about everything.
Ethan's gaze softened, understanding the unspoken fears that lingered between them. You don’t have to carry it all alone, you know.
But Hannah felt the weight of the lanterns, the burden of her mother's legacy, and the whispers of the townsfolk that hinted at something darker. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first lantern flickered to life, casting an eerie glow that sent a shiver down Hannah's spine. The festival was beginning, but so too was the unrest among the spirits, and Hannah resolved to uncover the truth behind the flickering light that seemed to call her name.