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Ondrej, trying to suppress his own laughter, quickly knelt to help. “I’ve never had someone create such a spectacle to avoid kissing me. I guess I’m losing my touch,” he said in a low tease. His eyes met mine, and I blushed.
The crowd around us, clearly charmed by the spectacle, clapped once more before dispersing into the market.
“Sorry about all that, Josef,” Ondrej said as we put the last box back on display.
Josef chuckled like Santa. “Is no problem. I think maybe is good luck.” He winked at me. “Here. Something for you.” He handed me a carved wooden shoe painted red.
“It’s beautiful,” I said. “Did you make it?”
“Yes. But is good luck. You must spin it on the ground toward the door and see where it points. This will tell you if you are to be married this year.”
I raised my brow, not sure if something was lost in translation. I looked to Ondrej. “Huh?”
Ondrej let out a faint laugh. “It’s a silly Czech Christmas tradition. I remember Dominika playing it with her friends. I can’t remember exactly what you’re supposed to do, but little girls love it.”
I smiled and slipped the wooden shoe into my cross-body bag. “Maybe I will. Thank you, Josef.”
Twilight came quickly that time of year, and soon, we found ourselves at the market's edge in dwindling daylight that painted the Prague skyline in hues of purple and gold. We stood in a quiet spot where Prague Castle glowed like a beacon in the distance. I soaked in the view, the moment, the company.
For a moment, we paused, neither of us quite ready to end the day.
"I can't remember the last time I enjoyed the market like this," Ondrej said, his voice tinged with a rare, unguarded softness. The day's adventures had seemingly peeled back another layer of the formality between us.
"I'm glad I could be a part of it. Thanks for inviting me. It was—well, magic for lack of a more eloquent term.”
Ondrej chuckled. “Sometimesmagicis the only word that will do. Oh, hey, speaking of magic,” he checked his watch. “Yes, come on. It’s time for the tree lighting.”
I felt a wide smile invade my chapped cheeks as he ushered me toward the center of the Old Town square.
The majestic Christmas tree towered over the surrounding festivities. Its branches were adorned with shimmering baubles, golden stars, and strands of silver tinsel.
Families, couples, and friends gathered around, their faces illuminated by the gentle lights of the market.
As the clock tower chimed, signaling the approach of the hour, a hush fell over the crowd. A man stepped onto the small stage in front of the tree. A group of carolers. Flanked each side.
“Who’s that?” I asked.
“The mayor.”
The mayor made a brief speech I didn’t understand. But I imagined it was something along the lines of peace to all and happy holidays.
Then, with a countdown that engaged everyone present, the moment arrived. At the final count, the tree erupted in a magnificent display of lights.
The carolers broke into song, their voices harmonious and uplifting, performing classic Christmas melodies. People joined in, their voices melding together in a festive chorus. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of tradition, joy, and communal celebration.
The micro event concluded, and I felt Ondrej’s eyes on me.
“What—?”
"Sienna, I—" we both started at the same time. We laughed, and he started again, then paused as if he were searching for the right thing to say.
My heart raced in anticipation, feeling a kind of tension and electric energy crackling between us.
Ondrej took a step closer, his eyes locking with mine in a moment brimming with unspoken possibilities. His eyes moved down, and my lips tingled under their watch. He started to lean down—
Then, a boisterous group of Dickensian Christmas carolers burst into song mere feet away from us. Their enthusiastic rendition of 'Jingle Bells' in heavily accented English filled the air, jolting us out of our private bubble.
We both jumped at the sudden intrusion, then burst into laughter at the absurdity of the timing.
