The full moon ritual seemed more packed than usual for June. Maybe it was the Strawberry Moon and maybe it was the advent of the upcoming festival.
There seemed to be all the usual faces there to take the waters, but then there was also a group of younger folks lounging around the forest in clumps. They leaned against each other and murmured small comments and stifled laughter.
Tana and Kat moved among them offering small touches and words here and there.
The townsfolks glared and threw sidelong glances, but no one said anything.
None of the young folks took the waters and when the starsfield lit up in the eyes of my neighbors and friends the youths all stood and moved out of the clearing, heading deeper into the trees.
I could feel Bess vibrating with barely contained irritation and something that felt a little like actual rage.
Her small hand was fisted at her side and her oldest daughter peeked at her sideways from under lashes, concern etched on every feature.