Apple seller:Will that be all for you,miss. I tuck the napkin around the apples and nod. Y/n:Yes,thank you! Apple seller: Have a good evening! Y/n: You, as well! I curtsy and leave the stall.That just about wraps up tonight's shopping! I will make an apple pie tonight. It will be nice treat for father and I. A few of the stall owners call out to me in greetings. I wave and smile in return.
Sometimes I envy them. My father would never let me run a stall by myself. He still sees me as his little girl. When I say I worry about him working all day hard ,he just pinches my cheek. He can be odd sometimes but he means well.
I click my tongue and shift the basket to the crook of my elbow. For now he is likely locked away in his study with his mysterious important work again.
What does he even do there? Will he ever tell me?
Well I am old enough to know certain things. Will I ever be able to do anything without worrying him?
I pass through the town's main courtyard still lost in thoughts. Suddenly a bright laughter pulls me out of it. I slow down to watch a large group of children gathered by the fountain.
What's got them so excited? Oh they must be watching another one of those puppet show. That puppet master is a odd fellow. What's his name again? Jimin?
The crowd parts and I catch a glimpse of the puppet master. His hands deftly control the strings attached to his marionettes' limbs. He maybe odd but he's handsome
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I squint at the puppets trying to discern their features. Is that puppet supposed to be a monster? And the other puppet a priest carrying a sword? What kind of show is he putting for these children?
As if reading my mind, Jimin looks up and waves the puppets in my direction.
Jimin:Hello,lovely lady! Care to enjoy some whimsical entertainment tonight?
He winks and the children burst into giggles. Why do I feel like they are having laugh at my expense? I curtsy and shake my head.
Y/n:N-No, thank you. I should be getting home.
Jimin pouts and directs the priest puppet to bow.
Jimin:Suit yourself,young miss.
I quicken my pace the back of my neck suddenly became hot. What an odd man. But he can't be that odd if children like him. Never mind puppets,I have dinner and a father to worry about.
Y/n: I'm home,dad.
I push the front door open expecting my father to greet me as usual. Instead the front hall is dark. My voice echoes strangely and I shiver. Why are the lights out
Y/n:Father? Are you here? Is something wrong with the lights?
I set my basket on the ground and rush down the hall. The door is shut with no light peeking through. I hesitate at the threshold.
