September 20, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a parade of nations. It can be literal, or it can be a phrase that you use to describe a situation. Explore what it could be. Go where the prompt leads.

In a suburb on the outskirts of Tokyo, there is an annual parade of the ethnic groups who make up the Japanese culture. I was fortunate to be there the day it all happened.

It was the most colourful and energetic parade I have ever seen.

The happiness exuded by the participants was infectious, and I couldn’t help but feel their energy and enthusiasm. I stood mesmerized by the joy around me.

We take so much for granted when we observe the world around us not realizing the rich cultural background that makes up the world we live in.

Written for: https://carrotranch.com/2018/09/21/september-20-flash-fiction-challenge/