On the other side of the village, a rather small, angry girl shoves a jackfruit into her bag, frustrated by its overwhelming size. "Why do these have to be so bloody large?" she mocks, casting a panoramic glance at the foreign country surrounding her as she stands in the forest-surrounded market.
Just as the weight of her annoyance begins to settle heavily within her, she spots a colorful pack of chocolates, and her mood shifts entirely. "Ah, well this isn't on mom's list, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind," she mutters to no one in particular, a sly grin creeping onto her face.
A seemingly curious worker who goes by 'Maryam' according to her name tag, watches the American girl indulge in her newfound treasure. The twinkle in her eye signifies both amusement and empathy. With a friendly approach, she steps towards her. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Surprised, the girl spins around, her awkward smile forming as she stutters over her words. "Yes, yes—uhm... do you have any smaller jackfruits?"
Maryam stifles a chuckle at the sight of such a petite girl struggling with such a gargantuan fruit. "Not exactly, but I can show you some alternatives! We have some smaller fruits, like bananas or mangos, which might be more manageable for you," she offers, stepping back to gesture the nearby displays brimming with tropical treasures.
As the girl contemplates her options, she notices Maryam's genuine interest. "You don't think my mom would care if I swapped out the jackfruit?" she inquires, her gaze slipping briefly to the vibrant chocolates that rest comfortably in her hands.
"Well if the jackfruit is too heavy to your mother's taste, there's not much else you can do but improvise," Maryam responds, her encouraging smile making the girl feel at ease.
"Okay, I'll get the mangos and chocolates... Maybe I'll make a sweet fruit salad or something." she smiles, the frustration of her earlier mission evaporating.
Maryam beams at her newfound positivity. "That sounds delicious! Let me guide you to the best ones."
The two begin walking through the bustling market, a mash-up of colors and scents enveloping them.
The girl watches as Maryam seeks out the best fruits and adds them to her basket. "Thank you.." she squints to read the worker's name tag, "Maryam!"
Maryam smiles. "Of course. What's your name?" she questions, her eyes scaling over the girl's slightly frizzy blonde hair.
"My name is Alba, I just moved here with my dad," Alba's smile widened as she watched Maryam expertly select the ripest mangos, their golden flesh glistening in the midday sun. "I've never seen mangos this big before," she commented, her eyes wide with wonder.
"They grow well here in this small part of Britain, there's only one farm they come from," Maryam replied, "and they're much sweeter than the ones you're probably used to."
Alba nodded, her mind already conjuring up a vibrant fruit salad, the sweetness of the mangos mixing with the tartness of the chocolates. "Do you think I can find some fresh mint to add to it?" she asked, her voice filled with newfound confidence.
Maryam chuckled. "Of course, there's a herb stall just down the street. I'll show you." As they walked, Alba peppered Maryam with questions about the local customs, the history of the village, and the names of the exotic fruits she encountered.
Maryam answered with patience and kindness, sharing her knowledge with a genuine warmth that made Alba feel instantly comfortable.
When they reached the herb stall, the air was filled with the refreshing scent of basil, rosemary, and thyme. Alba marveled at the vibrant green leaves and carefully selected a bundle of mint, its aroma strong and invigorating. She picks up a bundle of divine greens.
As they turn leave the section, Alba paused and looked back at the colorful stalls, the friendly faces, and the intoxicating smells. She felt a deep sense of belonging, despite being so far from home. "Thank you, Maryam," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"You're welcome, Alba," Maryam replied, her smile reflecting the warmth of the sun. "You're already making friends here. You'll be right at home in no time."
YOU ARE READING
Ensourcell
FantasyA shy and timid boy witch x a goth vampire girl who has visions and needs help hiding her ability's true nature from others. (credits to my friend for writing this with me @skysfemm)
