Kofi stepped through an archway of swaying leaves. The string lights blinked on one by one, like fireflies waking up.
He reached out and touched a glowing bulb. It hummed warmly against his fingertips. A brass band struck up a bouncy tune.
Kofi tiptoed to the drink table and lifted a glass of yellow punch. It fizzed and smelled like mango. A woman in a flowing dress waved him over.
He took a sip and stuck out his tongue. Bubbles tickled his nose. He giggled and ran toward the dance floor.
Kofi tried to copy the dancers, spinning until he wobbled and landed on his bottom. He rubbed his knee and noticed a little girl sitting alone.
Kofi crawled over and held out his glass. The girl shook her head but pointed to the dancing crowd.
He set the glass down and offered his hand. She took it, and the lights flared bright gold. They spun together, laughing.
They danced until the girl's loose shoe flew off and flipped onto a table. Kofi grabbed it and placed it beside her feet.
She put it on and grinned. They leaned against a pillar, watching grown-ups sway under the twinkling lights.
The night felt extra special. Kofi stayed right where she was, shoulder to shoulder, as the last song played.