[SE] Show me my silver lining

MaeA Happily talking to Ludo about all the different games the festival had to offer, Maea strolled about the festival grounds with not a care in the world. All her problems had been exiled for the day, a matter for another day. This one was set aside for music and laughter, dancing and merrymaking, and she'd had this craving for sweets for days now that could not be ignored any longer. She made a beeline for the stall she knew would have just the thing, one she had visited every year since she was allowed to attend and often had to be pulled away from with fingers sticky and mouth powdered white from flour or sugar - or both. Bursting with flowers and bread, sweets and smiles, the Chandrakant's always had a loyal customer in the Valair household, in more ways than one. But... when the stall came into view this year, it was a ghost of what it should have been. It was the same place, the same painted sign, the same bread and treats... It was just less than it used to be. Less opulent, less crowded, less sunny and cheerful. And the girl behind the counter was a raincloud gone astray, looking on the verge of tears under the weight of the forced smiles and whispered comments of other patrons who also noticed the change. "Harpies" Maea muttered, as she followed a pair of not so discreet ladies with disapproving eyes. Couldn't they at least get out of earshot before dropping their comments? Her jaw set with something akin to determination, and as the albino girl approached the stand her smile was bright and cheerful, seemingly unconcerned by Amalia's lack of energy or the diminished glory of her wares. "Hi there, Amalia! I've come for the usual, if you have any pastries left? I'm really glad to see you here, you've saved Fiat Lux for me this year too!" you're so cold, but you feel alive.