Petrichor

Chapter 5 - Rory

"Life in the City" The Lumineers

Adalynn spent at least ten minutes staring at the trees. I didn't really mind, it's not like we were rushing to be anywhere. But when we did get a move on again, it was a quicker trip. She spent the majority of the time looking at birds, butterflies, and the occasional dragonfly. I could tell she was fascinated by every new thing she saw. It was nice to see her enjoying something. She'd been rather tense all day, clearly annoyed at just about everything.

It was also nice to have a new friend. I wasn't sure if Adalynn even remotely considered me that, seeing as we had just met, but I felt like there was something worth recognizing in our encounters thus far. Good progress. I led her to the dock, where we had to board the ferry to travel to Shiganshina. Not many people were going, so it was a short wait. We stood at the bow of the ferry. I'd been on this trip back and forth too many times to count. When I looked over at Adalynn, about to ask her a meaningless question, I noticed how she laid her arms flat on the boat with her chin resting on her fingers, staring into the water.

I decided to leave her be so she could enjoy the water for a few more minutes. The ride usually felt short, and that's because it was, but this time it seemed to drag on forever. I couldn't tell what it was, but when we arrived, the world tilted at my feet. Not in any literal sense, but something was off. Maybe it's because I hadn't really had any water all day. Yeah that's it.

Bored out of my mind, I scooted over to where Adalynn was. She was in complete awe of the world around her. The water reflected in her eyes, sparkling an alluring sapphire blue. Adalynn was enthralled by the surface.

"It's just my parents and I," I began, and Adalynn glanced at me. "They adopted me when I was little."

"What happened to your real parents?" Adalynn inquired, standing up.

I paused, brows furrowing. I just told her where we lived, there's no way she didn't understand. "They are my real parents..."

"No, the one who gave birth to you."

"Oh," I drawled out, nodding my head. "There was a plague that swept through Shiganshina when I was little. My parents ended up dying. I was pretty sick too, but Doctor Jaeger was able to cure me and find me a new home. I don't know much else about them, I was too little to understand." I explained, and Adalynn nodded.

She met my eyes, stuffing her hands in her pockets. "I don't know mine either." She offered a half-smile, almost as if she meant the statement in a comforting way. I'd take it.

"Well, you'll get to know mine pretty well." I reminded her, then turned when I felt the abrupt stop of the ferry that made the boat shake. Adalynn and I started to head off to the dock. Just as she was getting on, she was slow and unsteady to walk off the ramp. I followed quickly after her, boots hitting the cobblestone path. Her head turned to and fro, trying to engulf herself in every detail, creating a corner in her mind for every new scent, sound, and look. I stepped alongside her, turning to face her as I spoke. "Want to go to the market first?"

"I have no money."

"Good thing I do then."

"How does that help my situation?" I deadpanned at her response.

"I'm buying for both of us." Adalynn looked a bit dumbfounded. I gave her a grin of reassurance as we continued to the market. Upon approaching we took notice of the liveliness. Here the sun beamed a bit brighter and casted shade against the tables with canopies. The scent of sweet and warm breads, cakes, and other treats filled the air. Along with the bells of laughter and chatter of exchanges sounded in our ears. Lined among many tables layed many trinkets, jewelry, clothing, and broaches. They told stories of careful hands, crafting the beauty of the intricately made designs. Everything displayed what the people had to offer, stories, meals, warmth, even heirlooms and memories. Adalynn was entrapped by every stand, staying for only a minute before something else caught her eye.