The children’s laughter is interspersed with bright, excited screams as they play what seems to be a game of tag, dodging and weaving around the trees and playground equipment. I watch them with a fond smile – this is precisely what I imagine a small town should be like. It’s almost a shame not to stay and explore, but I want to find a place to hole up and lick my post-breakup wounds.
As I take in the lively, jubilant scenery, a buoyant figure bustles out of the bakery. The woman’s thick golden hair is tied up in a messy bun, and an apron emblazoned with the bakery’s name covers a flowery flowing dress. Her hair bounces with her brisk strides and her radiant smile rivals the warmth of the sun overhead. As she heads my way, I realize how tall the woman is – she must be almost six feet. She’s even taller than Aunt Zizi who I have always envied for her height. Standing at 5’6”, I got my mother’s average build. I missed out on my Dad’s tall genes.
Approaching me, the woman places a menu, a glass of water, and a bowl filled with water for Mango on the table.
“Welcome to my bakery, dear,” the woman introduces herself, leaning against the back of the chair across from me, “I’m Mokosh, but everybody calls me Koko.”
“I’m Lily.” I wave my hand toward the crate on the chair next to me. “And this is Mango.” Right on cue, Mango gives a plaintive meow.
Koko coos at Mango who eats up the attention and revs his purring motor. “What a cutie! You’ve picked a perfect day for your visit to Lublin Harbor. It’s the week of the Krasnaya Gorka festival.”
Taken aback, I tilt my head at her, confusion seeping into my eyes. “Krasnaya Gorka?” I repeat slowly, trying to wrap my tongue around the unfamiliar words.
Koko nods, her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight. “Yes, it’s a spring festival, celebrating love and everything that comes with it,” she waves her hand around, indicating the vibrant festivities around us. “Our founder hailed from near what is now known as Belarus, and we honor our roots by observing many Slavic pagan rituals here in Lublin Harbor.”
At my startled expression, she chuckles. Her laughter is like liquid sunshine. “Yes, dear. This isn’t your typical New England small town. We’ve got our own unique little twists,” she adds, pride filling her voice. I nod, knowing everyone thinks their town is unique, but I wisely keep my snarky thoughts to myself.
“Krasnaya Gorka is when potential sweethearts meet, fall in love, and discover their life partners. Lublin Harbor is the place to find your mate.” I feel my face freeze at her words. Am I dealing with a weirdo? What a strange way to phrase that. Mate? Who says something like that?
Koko points over my shoulder toward the park and waggles her eyebrows in a silly, suggestive manner. I follow her gaze andspot a young couple on a picnic blanket under a shady tree. They are kissing each other so passionately that you’d think it was their job. I quickly look away and return my eyes to the menu in my hand, feeling a blush heating my cheeks.
I’m in the middle of a love festival while freshly single after a crappy breakup – this is not my scene. However, I don’t want to be a downer, so I put a fake-happy smile on my face like it’s not making my gut curdle at the thought of all the lucky couples falling in love around me.
“What brings you to Lublin Harbor?” Koko asks.
“Oh, I’m just passing through. I was on the highway when I saw the sign for your festival and thought it sounded worth checking out.”
“You saw the sign?” Koko gives me a pleased look as if I’m a favorite student. “Most people don’t notice the sign. Only a few select people see it. Special individuals meant to be here.”
Ho boy. I’m not a read your horoscope, believe in the healing powers of crystals kinda lady. That’s more Aunt Zizi’s scene. I feel like I need to shut this down right away. But in a nice way because I don’t mess with the people who handle my food. “Oh no. I’m just passing through. I’m on my way to stay with my aunt up north.”
“Sounds like you’re looking for a fresh start.” My mouth drops open. How the hell did Koko guess that? Then I look over my shoulder and see my car packed to the gills with all my belongings.
“Um, yes. I am looking for a fresh start,” I answer but don’t give Koko any additional information. She seems like a lovely lady, but I’m getting way-too-interested vibes from her.
“So, what do you do?” Koko asks, not picking up on my increasing wariness.
“Oh, I’m a nurse.”
“Oh, how lovely. Nurses are always in demand, aren’t they?”
I nod because she’s not wrong.
“Well, look at me chatting away while you’re probably starving. What can I get you, dear?” Koko asks. The warmth of her smile is contagious, and despite my uncertainty, I feel my lips tug upward in response.
“I’ll have a coffee, please,” I say. “And a… beef piroshki.” Oh, I hope I didn’t just butcher that pronunciation. However, a fried meat pie sounds fantastic.
“Good choice,” Koko responds. “And I’ll bring a salmon piroshki for Mr. Mango here – on the house.”
I stammer out a thank you, trying to protest that Koko doesn’t need to do that, but she waves away my words.
She nods, taking the menu back from my offering hand. “I’ll fetch your coffee now,” she says. “Dobry will whip up your meal in a jiffy and bring it over. I wish I could stay and chat, but I’m in a bit of a rush. I need to get ready for the parade. Enjoy the festival!”
Koko turns away before whirling back to me. “Oh my gosh! I almost forgot. Make sure you visit the wishing bell and make a wish. It’s a Lublin Harbor tradition!”
Just as I open my mouth to ask more, Koko bustles away from the table, leaving me with half-formed words hanging in the air. From the corner of my eye, I see her disappear behind a curtain inside the shop, presumably towards the kitchen.
The town doesn’t seem large enough to justify a parade, but who am I to comment? I chuckle to myself, realizing that in a place as unusual as this one appears to be, perhaps a parade is not so weird. Lublin Harbor is like an old-fashioned small town mixed with a free-love hippy commune and an Eastern European village. It’s not quite like any place I’ve visited before.
