Flores :: Carlos Sainz

Ocho

"¡Gracias!" Ana, the sister of Carlos, said when leaving a boutique.

Carlos and Blanca smiled at the owner and followed their sibling back to the streets. They were in the small village outside Madrid, having a sibling day. Blanca just returned from a holiday; Ana is going on holiday, and Carlos is everywhere but nowhere. It had been a while since the three spent some time together.

"I love how this place is like non-touristic, there are a few, but those are the die-hards," Blanca mentioned. "It always has been like this, and I hope it will never change."

"I really hope the TikTokkers will not show up here," Ana agreed and put the sunglasses on her nose. "And be like: Don't go Madrid, but visit this hidden gem."

"I will sue TikTok if that happens."

A discussion between Ana and Blanca started. Carlos walked behind them, not really listening to their thing. It was a good moment to stay silent and be on his own, just a moment to recharge. Walking shops in and out was slowly making him impatient and bored. He was glad this was one of the 'bad' days. It was 23 degrees Celsius, and the sun was hidden by thick clouds. Carlos' eyes were scanning the buildings, and he smiled politely every now and then.

"Carlos!"

"Hmm, what?"

Ana snorted. "See, he didn't hear it," she said to Blanca and shook her head.

"As always," Blanca said unamused. "Anyway, we're visiting the market quickly and then grabbing lunch?"

"Sounds like a good plan," Carlos smiled.

"Ah, you're such a good brother!" Ana widely smiled and turned around while walking. "Sorry that we bring you everywhere but nowhere. We will buy you lunch."

He gave her a fist bump. "It's fine, I can handle it."

"Amazing."

"Oh, by the way, if you want to go to a store, just say it. You've been following us, we can follow you as well," Blanca mentioned.

He nodded. "I know, but there's nothing I need now. If I see something, I will just say it. Don't worry about me."

The three entered the square. Ana and Blanca walked to the book stand right away. Unlike the rest of the village, this square was filled with people. There were wine sellers, farmers, bakers, and people who sold homemade products and other things. Carlos followed his sisters to the book stand and looked around for something interesting. However, he couldn't see the fun in it. He still needed to finish reading Grand Hotel Europe, he refused to buy a new book before finishing that book first.

Carlos' eyes glided over the market. He never visited a market, he didn't see the fun in it - personally. He thought it was way too busy, and...he didn't have the patience for it. "I'm going to look around for a bit," he mentioned to his sisters.

"Don't get lost."

"Where do I want to go?" Carlos looked amusingly but questionably at his sisters.

Ana shrugged. "I don't know. You always go everywhere. Who knows where you will end up now."

"Please." He rolled his eyes. "We will stay in touch." He padded Ana's shoulder and stepped away.

And now what? Carlos wandered around, letting his eyes scan all the stands. Some people were happy seeing that one unique item at a stand, some sellers were delighted to chat with their buyers, and others were just curious. He could see why people could get happy when strolling around markets like this. You either love it or hate it. Carlos didn't hate it, but it was also not his favourite thing to be at. He bought a bottle of water and found a spot to sit down on. It was the monument's stairs, but more people sat down on them.