The Twelve Nights of Halloheen (Human Pets of Talin #4.5)

*The 12 Night of Halloheen was originally written for Supra Velum, a charity anthology. I have the rights back now and will re-release it with a bonus short story.*

Isla grew up in the impoverished human colony of Wimol with limited knowledge about Old Earth. One thing she did learn about was Halloheen. The ancient human holiday fell during the few times of year when they didn’t have to work every day, all day, so her colony made it the yearly celebration.

No detail was missed. They made cookies in the shape of hearts and gave them to the people they loved. They spun a top in a game no one knew the rules to, so rules changed from year to year. They dressed in costumes and judged each other’s efforts. They hung green leafy plants from doorways and every time two people passed under them, they had to rub cheeks. Each night for twelve days they celebrated in different ways, and on the last night, they stayed up to watch the sunrise while remembering deceased loved ones.

Wimol’s Halloheen celebrations were Isla’s most treasured memories. She now lives on Sorana along with Zia and a bunch of other humans, protected and cared for by Talins. Life is better here, but it’s not the same. This small colony of humans and Talins isn’t cohesive. The colony is new, and everyone is focused on completing tasks, which leaves no time for eating together or visiting. Isla longs for the tight-knit community she grew up in.

Tisuran has lived in close contact with humans for many solars, but Isla is the first human who’s caught his attention. He can tell she isn’t content, so he decides the best way to lift her spirits is to celebrate a Halloheen. None of the traditions make sense to him, but he hopes his efforts will make Isla happy, and perhaps even help her notice him.

After all, Isla told him Halloheen was a time for wishes to come true, and having her attention is his only wish.

(This novella is set on Sorana and falls between books 4 and 5 of the Human Pets of Talin series.)