Lia had finished putting the pots on the table when she heard Yolly speak.

“I see you bring her to help you,” Yolly eyed her with disgust.

Lia caught herself before she could raise her brows and smile respectfully.

“The basket is pretty heavy. Mother cannot bring them all alone.”

“Ha! Mother, you say,” Yolly turned to the counter as a customer came in. “Frankie! Stop dawdling! We have a customer!”

Tamara gave her a list of materials and they waited as Yolly got the items.

“I wonder if you could sell this salve I made,” Tamara brought out a small pot with a red salve. The newer version than the one she tested Lia. “It’s about to get cold soon, so this helps to prevent chapped lips during the season. It’s also red so it would look good for the ladies.”

“Why, this is wonderful! I want to have one myself!” Yolly said, checking herself in the mirror as she applied the salve.

“Yours is free. I decided to make it because my daughter often have dry lips so I thought maybe the other girls out there have the same problem.”

Yolly stared at Lia, studying her. “I see.”

Lia saw what seemed like an approving look that Yolly gave her. There was still a hint of caution as if ready to protect her friend against her daughter. But maybe when she worked hard enough, Yolly would be accepting of her. In return, that would make her mother happy that they got along.

As Yolly stepped into the store once again after handing out their order, Lia and Tamara put on their cloaks and prepared to leave.

+++++

They were about to go home. They really should not linger far too long in the amongst the crowd. But Lia was engrossed by the comings and goings of the people in town. She wanted to take in all of her surroundings.

She heard Tamara giggled beside her.

“We can look around first if you like.”

Lia readily shook her head. “No, no. I’m fine. It’s just… we should go back.”

“It’s not every day we go to the town, a little sightseeing wouldn’t hurt don’t you think?”

The more rational part of her wanted to go back. It was dangerous. Going downtown was risky enough. But the other part of her could not suppress her curiosity.

Sensing her worries, Tamara blocked her path to face her. She held out her arms to secure Lia’s cloak. Once she was satisfied, Tamara grabbed her hand and dragged her in the heart of the town.

Tamara brought her to the market place, in the center of the town. It was like a festival. There were stalls everywhere. People chatted and bustled.

Their province was in the southern part of the Kingdom. It was only a small town but placed in an advantageous position where people from other countries passed through or make business.

Panic rose in her chest when she realized how dangerous this could be. They could be easily swept by these people.

After half an hour of shopping, nothing seemed to think of anything amiss. Lia let herself be comforted by the thought. Everything would be alright.

Lia knew that her mother enjoyed the experience too. Her eyes sparkled as she educated Lia in just about anything. Tamara knew a lot of things. Of course, her expertise was on all kinds of plants and crops. But her knowledge ranged from clothes to haggling for prices. She was a pro.

They were in the middle of buying fruits when they heard a scream. A child was about to be trampled by an upcoming cart. Before Lia could move, Tamara darted towards the crowds and pulled the child away.

Silence. No one moved. No one spoke.

Lia rushed forward. Bloody images came to her mind.

When she arrived in front of the crowd, she knew right away who caused the silence.