The first marching band marched by, perfectly in time with each beat of the drums’ cadence. The little girl watched rapt from the curb, longing to march along with the band. Her mother held her tightly by the hand, and the little girl idly sucked her other thumb. Suddenly, she broke away from her mother and stepped into the street. Her mother grabbed her hand again before she could get away, but the girl wriggled out of her grip. She stepped between the ranks of the band just as they were beginning their song, and first note washed over her. She stood among the marchers, gazing up at their gargantuan bodies and gleaming instruments. A few looked down at her from the corners of their eyes as they marched by as she darted between them.