As I walk through the village, I am greeted by familiar and new faces alike. Things have changed since I have been here last but the foundation is the same.
The people are sadder than I remember but maybe I am looking closer now. The villagers are filling their cups and having a second dinner. It is a celebration.
There is a group of younger folk that are running through the village, much like the celebration, for no reason at all.
A woman is crying, red tears - bloodlike. 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 have 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 for fear of 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.