As the parade began, people marched down the main street, waving to the cheering crowd, proudly displaying their coats. The sun blazed above, but there was a sense of unity among the townspeople, all of them enduring the heat together. The parade was festive, filled with music and dancing, and the sight of everyone wearing two coats created a sort of bizarre beauty.
Hours passed, and the heat grew even more unbearable. Ben was exhausted, his face red and puffy from the sun, and his body ached under the weight of the two coats. Finally, as the parade was coming to a close, the mayor, who was also wearing two coats (and several hats, for good measure), stood at the front of the crowd.
With a smile, he raised his hand and announced, “And now, dear townsfolk, it’s time for the grand finale. Let us all take off our coats and celebrate the cool breeze that will come with the evening!”
The crowd erupted into applause, and Ben, with a sense of relief, threw off his two coats. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so light. Lucas followed suit, and they both stood there, drenched in sweat, but grinning with joy.