Chapter 15: A Foreign Guest

Molly stood at the entrance of the cottage, her crimson eyes fixed on Jasmine, who was already making her way through the purplish-brown grass. She watched as Jasmine paused mid-step, turning around to glance back at her. A warm expression settled on Jasmine’s face. “Are you sure you don’t want to follow me to the bakery now?” she asked.

Molly gave a short nod, a small upward curl tugging at her lips as the black orb’s particles displayed her thoughts:

~ I have some errands to run. So don’t worry, Miss Jasmine, I’ll be at the bakery before the lady arrives.

A sigh escaped Jasmine’s lips after she read the words. “Alright then,” she said, her eyes lifting to meet Molly’s at the entrance. Her expression warmed further. “Just take care of yourself.” Her features grew stern for a moment. “And make sure not to overdo anything,” she warned.

Molly’s face brightened, a smile blooming across her lips:

~ I’ll try my best.

Jasmine’s expression softened as she read the words. She offered a short wave of farewell, which Molly returned in kind. After that, Jasmine turned back and continued her descent.

Molly lingered at the entrance for a long moment, watching Jasmine make her way down the mountainside. After waiting a little longer and confirming Jasmine had truly departed, Molly sighed, turned back, and stepped inside the cottage, moving toward her room.

Her steps halted when she drew near, her gaze sliding to the side where the other room lay.

Jen’s room.

Her eyes drifted past the open door and landed on Jen’s bed, where a large book rested atop the covers.

Molly’s expression dulled slightly as she remembered she still hadn’t opened Jen’s diary. Jen had told her she’d written about the academy she wanted her to enroll in.

Her features dulled further as the memories of what had happened began to surface.

But before she could drown herself in sorrow, she caught herself, delivering a small slap to both cheeks with her palms. A determined expression settled on her face as one thought echoed in her mind.

Jen wouldn’t want her to be sad.

With that, Molly resolved to check the diary later in the day and resumed walking. She went directly to her room, stopping before the shelf near her mirror. She reached out and collected a small brown coin-filled pouch, tucking it inside her robe pocket. A grin lifted her lips.

It was time for a stroll around the market.

*******

Molly’s crimson eyes swept across the market square, lingering briefly on a few colorful stalls that snagged her interest. The voices of sellers boomed through the crowd as they hawked their wares, a chaotic symphony of haggling and exaggerated claims.

Her gaze drifted away from the vivid stalls until it settled on one small shop painted in a brownish-gold hue. Her face lit up when she noticed it was open, and she enthusiastically strode toward it.

When she stepped inside, she spotted a young teenager, perhaps three years her senior, with black hair that brushed his shoulders. His gold eyes were distant as he carried a large bowl of glowing golden seeds toward a corner of the stall.

Upon noticing her, the boy glanced at Molly. Once he registered who it was, a grin spread across his face. “Look who came to visit,” he said before quickly adding, “Gimme a sec, I’ll be right with you.” He hurried to the corner, vanishing from sight for a moment.

Molly waited near the counter. A few moments later, she caught sight of the boy emerging from the corner, a smirk on his face the instant their eyes met.

His grin warmed. “How have you been, Molly? I haven’t seen you in a while. Did you travel again?” he asked.

The black orb floated from Molly’s robe, dissolving into tiny particles that shaped her thoughts:

~ A little stressed out. Thank you for asking, Eric, and no, I didn’t travel anywhere these past few weeks.

Molly’s expression dulled slightly as another thought materialized with the particles:

~ My mom passed away three weeks ago. That’s why I haven’t been able to visit since.

As Eric read the words, a mask of sadness washed over him. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he said in a low tone. “And I’m sorry for making you remember it again.”

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Molly stared at Eric for a moment, feeling the sincerity in his voice. A warm expression appeared on her face as she stepped closer and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

~ It’s alright. I don’t mind.

His gaze landed on Molly, who wore her usual bright expression while she pulled away. He soon wore a smile that mirrored hers. “Alright…” he said with a short exhale that made his voice trail off.

After a moment of silence, Eric glanced at Molly, “Well, what would you like to buy today? Is it the usual, or…” He raised a brow, as if inviting her to choose as she pleased.

The tiny particles formed her reply with a calm swirl:

~ I would prefer the usual, please.

A smirk tugged at Molly’s lips as the particles shaped her next words:

~ Unless you have something better you can offer?

Reading the words, Eric couldn’t help but look impressed. “Well, yes. I think I have another option that’s slightly better.”

His expression lit up. “And I know fully well that the Jigeens will love this.”

Molly’s expression perked up with interest at that.

~ Now you’ve gotten me interested. May I see it?

“I’ll be right back,” he said, quickly disappearing into the corner once more, leaving Molly to wait yet again.

A few moments later, Eric emerged, a grin on his face as he held a small bowl filled with red seeds.

“Here. Take a look,” he said, offering the bowl for Molly’s inspection.

Molly leaned closer, her eyes fixed on the red seeds and how glossy, reflective, and foreign they appeared up close. It felt less like she was staring at bird feed and more like gazing at polished rubies.