As I walk through the village, I am greeted by familiar and new faces alike. Things have changed since I last visited, but the foundation is the same.
The people seem sadder than I remember, but maybe I'm looking more closely now. The villagers are filling their cups and having a second dinner. It is a celebration.
There is a group of younger folk who are running through the village, much like the celebration, for no reason at all.
A woman is crying, red tears - blood-like. She is the village pariah. Why is she crying so much?
I wave to her and she doesn't wave back. I start to say that I've cried those red tears before, but it's too late; I've walked away.
The village is smaller than I remember, or maybe, I'm taking up more space now.
The tears start to flow as I have stayed too long. I have to be careful to conceal my weakness, fearing judgment.
I wipe my face, and the clear tears are turning in color. I have to get out of here before I am discovered.
To my surprise, I was not alone in this. Not the Pariah, her face was free of tears. The villagers were now crying these tears, and my tears, like Pariah's, vanished.
She cracks a smile and goes on her way.
I, too, must leave this place, but I'll be back sometime soon.