"A feast?" the widow asked.

"Of course," Nico said, pulling Kelty close in a great embrace as they made to leave. "To celebrate surviving the longest night and the return of the sun."

And then he laughed, and it was a rich and comforting laugh that spread like a fire, till all those gathered in the lane were chuckling and embracing one another.

Kelty smiled.

Go on then, scolded the Voice of her Nan. It's late.

"Good night," Nico said to them all. "Good night."