When evening fell, Annie pulled her favorite skirt from her wardrobe—a long, light-green, gauze and satin summer skirt with intricate embroidered whirls around the bottom, and tiny sequins sprinkled through. Her blouse was off-white with a square neck, tight waistband, and loose flowing cuffs. When her hair was dried and her curls sitting perfectly, she pulled a piece of hair back from both sides on her head and joined them together in a thin braid, secured with green and white ribbons. The rest of her curls flowed freely over her shoulders. “You look beautiful, Annie,” Cora said, walking through the bedroom door. “I was just thinking the same thing about you,” Annie replied. Cora wore a long, light-blue, sleeveless dress, tight through the waist. Her hair was piled on top of her head. “I doubt anyone will notice me when I’m standing next to you,” she answered, smiling broadly at her older sister. “You will undoubtedly be the most beautiful woman at the festival.” “Thank you, Cora,”
