The festival

The next morning, Lily woke up early and headed down to the inn's dining room for breakfast. She was greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and bacon sizzling on the stove. Mrs. Higgins bustled about, setting out plates and silverware.

"Good morning, dear! Did you sleep well?"

Lily nodded and helped herself to some scrambled eggs. "Yes, thank you. Do you know what time the festival starts?"

Mrs. Higgins wiped her hands on her apron. "The vendors usually start setting up around ten, but the parade doesn't start until noon. You'll want to get a good spot for that."

Lily finished her breakfast and headed out into the mist. She had brought her camera with her and was eager to capture the sights and sounds of the festival.

As she walked down the main street, she was struck by the contrast between the foggy moors and the bright, colorful decorations. The vendors had set up their booths along the sidewalk, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade pies. The air was filled with the smells of roasted nuts, caramel apples, and pumpkin spice.

Lily wandered through the crowds, snapping photos and chatting with the locals. Everyone she met was friendly and welcoming, eager to share their town's traditions with her.

As noon approached, she found a spot near the front of the parade route. The air was electric with excitement, and children darted about, waving small flags and giggling with anticipation.

Finally, the sound of drums and brass instruments filled the air, and the parade began. Lily's heart swelled with pride as she watched the colorful floats and marching bands pass by. The town had put so much effort into the festival, and it was clear that everyone was having a great time.

But as the parade came to a close, Lily's thoughts turned back to the bride of the mist. She had asked around about the legend, but no one seemed willing to talk about it. The topic was met with a mix of skepticism and unease, as if it was a taboo subject.

She decided to approach Sheriff Jack about it. As she made her way through the crowd, she spotted him talking with a group of other law enforcement officers. He looked up and saw her, and his face broke into a warm smile.

"Lily! Did you enjoy the parade?"

She nodded, but then hesitated. "Sheriff, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

"It's about the legend of the bride of the mist. I've heard a few different versions, but no one seems willing to talk about it. Do you know anything about it?"

Jack's expression grew serious. "It's not a topic we like to discuss, especially not during the festival. It's just an old tale, nothing more."

Lily could tell that he was uncomfortable, but she pressed on. "But don't you think it's interesting? I mean, there must be some truth to it, or else it wouldn't have become such a popular legend."

Jack sighed. "Look, Lily, I understand your curiosity. But the legend is just that: a legend. It's not something we like to dwell on."

Lily sensed that she wasn't going to get any more information out of him, so she thanked him and headed back to the inn. But the more she thought about it, the more determined she became to uncover the truth about the bride of the mist.

That night, she tossed and turned in her bed, unable to shake the feeling that there was more to the legend than anyone was willing to admit. Finally, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She got dressed and slipped out of the inn, determined.