Chapter Twenty-Six

“We’re looking for food, and wanted to see what you might had,” Nina said. I saw the knot in her throat as she tried to focus on saying her words in the correct manner.

“There’s a lot of things my previous stops didn’t want. Take a look,” she said, motioning us to follow her to the back. As we approached, she opened a container, and we were greeted with a variety of colors that seemed alien in a world like this. “Someone out there was excited that they had these. She said that it was ‘something we all needed’ and that she was more than happy to share. But she also talked the walls and yelled at the clouds, so I don’t know how much I believe her. Nobody wanted them. They said the soft, red orb looked dangerous and that the long green stick served better as a weapon. I had a few people grab one or two things, but they were mostly left untouched.” Nina turned to me, waiting for my answer.

“Vegetables,” I said, looking at them. “All of them, good. Take.”

“We were looking for something like this, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to take it all,” Nina said looking down. “I had something the other merchant really wanted so I thought I’d use that to trade for whatever we found.” The woman stopped and turned back to us. She stared at Nina before looking back at the vegetables.

“Well, it seems that you two are lucky today,” she said closing the container. “I just traded away a lot of big items, and so I’m set for a good while. And since no one else wanted those things, I’m fine with just giving them away, no trade required.” Nina’s eyes sparkled as her expression changed to something I was more familiar with.

“Are you being serious?” she asked

“I never play around with my job.” Nina’s smile returned as she jumped up a few times. I couldn’t show her my smile, so I jumped along with her. I watched as Nina hugged the woman multiple times before lifting up the container. The woman’s expression didn’t change, but her eyes stayed on Nina. The two of secured the container onto Nina’s back as we got ready to leave.

“I don’t think I can thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me,” Nina said. The woman looked at me before turning back to Nina and waving her off. As she strapped down the tarp and adjusted her cloak, I heard her voice quiet down.

“Always making me question my decisions,” I heard her say as she stared at her cart. She caught me staring and shot a glare at me, forcing me to turn around and catch up with Nina. When I stood next to her, I lowered my mask, unable to hide my smile anymore.

“Can’t believe it,’ I said looking at the container. “Just like flowers.”

“It’s another thing we didn’t know was possible,” Nina said. I followed her step as she took the lead. I looked her as her pace quickened.

“Something wrong,” I said to her. Nina stopped and turned back to me.

“What’s wrong, did something happen to you?” she said, making sure all my limbs work. “Did you see, something you didn’t want to?”

“Not me, you.” Nina stopped and froze, trying to say something.

“What, something wrong with me? Is that even possible?” She laughed as she continued walking. “We just found another incredible thing out here, we should be celebrating it, just like last time.” I followed her steps, making sure I kept my eyes on her.

“Always telling me, difficult to hide,” I said, with slivers of confidence. “Your emotions, clear as day.” Nina stopped again, turning back to me. Her eyes wanted to tell me something, but her face wanted to ignore it.

“Let’s head back to my place,” she said with a sigh. “We can talk there.”

“Your place, won’t forget,” I said as I took her hand. I caught a glimpse of relief hidden behind her bothered expression.