@smallstabs Downtown Eureka
For having grown up in Eureka, the town's ability to band together for the same event, year after year, with no signs of fatigue, had always impressed Will. He liked his neighbors well enough, of course—what few he had—and he understood, even before assuming the position of sheriff, that there was a sense of camaraderie among Eureka residents. They generally looked out for one another, and they actively enjoyed one another's company. He'd always found it curious...but charming.
This sort of merriment and sense of community seemed to increase tenfold around the winter holidays. There was always something to do, and thus, something Will was somewhat expected to attend. Some of it he enjoyed, most of it he didn't care one way or the other about. The annual Christmas tree lighting in the town square was generally not something his presence was required or even requested at, but still, he had not missed a Christmas tree lighting in some years.
Eureka's mild temperatures didn't call for more than a light jacket, the pockets of which held Will's hands so he wasn't forced to figure something else to do with them. He ambled casually down the street, admiring the large tree primed for its big night, an onslaught of sounds and sights and smells hitting his senses. The crowds were beginning to pick up, many people clasping mulled wines or warm ciders or hot chocolates, and he looked around with newly piqued interest at where to obtain one of his own.
Spotting an all-too-familiar head of flaxen curls pinned atop a small frame, his breath hitched. He was almost surprised at how easy it was to recognize her, even in the throngs of people. He tried to casually scan the area surrounding her, looking for any sign of companionship—he had no intention of interrupting her. But she appeared to be alone, waiting for something from the food trucks absentmindedly, and he felt emboldened—as he often did with her.
He let his foot fall from the curb, glancing both ways quickly before letting himself jog slowly over toward her.
"Wake up feeling festive today, did we?" He chimed playfully, a soft, wry smirk playing on his lips.