Her New Life

Chapter 7: It Came With The wind

3 years since the wedding:

Marian woke to the sound of the seagulls cawing and the bellowing of the townsfolk in the morning. She stretched her sore muscles and slowly rose from her bed. She gazed out the window and took in the quiet town she had spent 3 years in. It felt like she had always lived here in Noire. Time had passed quickly as she adjusted to the quiet life as a baker's aide. 

Working in the bakery proved more challenging than she thought, as she woke up before dawn every morning. Albeit her first day was a disaster, her cooking skills gradually improved. And while she could not pipe a rose to save her life, she could at least bake a cake without burning it.

Marian's daily errands had fortunately led to her becoming acquainted with many of the shop owners in the market. Unfortunately, she made enemies with the butcher, whom she had mistaken for a man. Even to this day, the butcher gives her an indignant side eye, no matter how many times she apologizes.

She heard a loud yawn behind her and turned. Penny was rising from her rough sleep, made evident by her tangled hair, somehow interlocked in her fingers. Signs of drool were still on her face. She could not help but laugh at the spectacle she had seen almost every morning.

"Morning Marian," she said with a yawn as she tried to rub her eyes. "Is it morning already?"

"Good morning, Penny. And yes, it i-is."

She groaned lightly as she finally freed her fingers from her aggressive hair. Marian felt comforted knowing that someone else had trouble with their red curls just as she did.

She left the room to start her morning ablutions by taking a nice bath and using the rose-scented soap she saved up for. 

Over the years, they had managed to bring in more money. While they were by no means rich, she couldn't complain. Instead of sharing a bed, she was able to acquire her own, as well as a few new clothes. Albeit it was not luxurious, and the space was tight, she was happy that she and Penny no longer had to try to separate each other's hair in the morning. 

She giggled as she passed by Penny on her way to the kitchen. She was usually always bright-eyed and energetic in the morning, much to Marian's chagrin. But today, she was stumbling around like a blind old- man.

Speaking of old men, Orion had been sitting at the table yawning loudly, as he poured a cup of tea.

"Morning already is it?"

"Yes, it is. A very good m-morning." She sipped her tea and popped a dried plum in her mouth.

"You seem to be in a good mood today." Orion chuckled. His gray hair had thinned over the years, and the signs of aging had become more apparent on his face. Despite his haggard appearance, he always had a bright smile and cheerful demeanor. 

"Something delightful must have blown in the window today." He hummed.

Marian nodded. Autumn had arrived in full swing, and for whatever reason, she felt a positive omen was coming to their quiet town.

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Once Penelope remembered where the front door was, they made their way down the narrow road to the bakery. Now and again, Penelope would pick up petals that were thrown all over the road.

 As soon they entered the shop, Kinder, who always arrived an hour earlier, immediately assigned them tasks. Penelope was in charge of managing the money and cleaning, while Marian was tasked with making the bread.