[h1][i]D[sub]a [/sub]n [sup]i[/sup][sub]e[/sub]l[sup] l[/sup] e   D[sub]a[/sub] [sub] l [/sub]l  [sup]o [/sup] n[/i][/h1]
[I]Saturday, June 19, 2021[/i]
This time Danielle sat in the front passenger seat with the window rolled down as she and her mother weaved back and forth down a long gravel road. Hee younger siblings napped, snowing softly, while her sister listened to her music. They were surrounded on either side by what felt like jungle. There were towering trees with twisting vines and giant leaves so dense you could hardly see a foot in. There were colorful birds, hanging snakes, and skittering lizards. The air was thick with heat and humidity, causing beads of sweat to form on her forehead. The girl closed her eyes and leaned her head out the window, welcoming the breeze.

Her heart was anxious, racing. She breathed in a heavy breath. Almost a month had passed since Danielle and her family moved to Florida, but it all felt so strange. She felt like an alien on a distant planet, lightyears away from the forest and meadows she had called home, and its inhabitants were not taking kindly to her. 

Danielle was not alone, however; the dandelions had come with her and she came to see them as her friends. They were like little fairies or sprites that whispered hopes, dreams, and words of encouragement in her ears (and some gossip from time to time). Somestimes, when she was alone, Dani would whisper back.

Dani had almost given up hope of attending the conference when just last night, Dani's mother purchased last minute tickets after a big fight with the boyfriend. She had taken a few punches and needed to 'get away'. It was bittersweet. Dani couldn't help feeling like it was her fault, but she just knew she had to be there. The dandelions had told her so. Danielle breathed out, letting her troubles get taken away on the breeze.

Soon they came upon a clearing, where probably one hundred cars parked haphazardly on unmarked ground. Danielle's mom pulled crookedly into a spot, easily taking up two cars worth of space. [B]"We're here! Everybody get out and get your bags,"[/b] Mom said cheerily as she shut of the engine. She turned around and smiled with a tiredly with puffy eyes, gently shaking the two younger ones awake. A few grumbles and protests later, and the family was making their way toward their campsite, as they had opted for less expensive or inclusive tickets.

There were people of all different kinds gathered around, chatting up or heading to the motel or cabins. Some looked like academics, some looked extraordinary with mutations or exhibited powers, and others seemed to just be average Joes looking for a good time. Dani closed her eyes as she walked, listening for whispers...

[Center][I]Yuck, what is that smell? [sup]I want an essence of my own...[/sup] I wish I had powers! [Sub]I hope I meet a cute guy today...[/sub] I want a power just like my dad...![sub] Oh, if only I could live here...[/sub] I wish I never got this stupid power! [Sup]When is this thing going to start?[/sup] Uh, I hate bugs! [Sup]I never should have come here...[/sup][/i] [/center]
Danielle was startled by a high-pitched whistle and crackling followed by shouting and shrieking of nearby onlookers, causing herself to let out a little 'eep!' and hide behind her backpack. [B]"Awesome!"[/b] William exclaimed while making a fist. [B]"Yeah, cool!"[/b] Destiny echoed. Even Abagail seemed somewhat interested in the commotion. 

[B]"Come along kids, it's not polite to stare. Mind your business,"[/b] their mother admonished, pulling the younger ones along by their hands while they protested. Abagail shrugged and followed after them. Dani, on the other hand, lingered, captivated by the arcs of electricity and scent of lemon zest in the air...