Before Morrow

Chapter 2

    Lila was greeted with the finest aroma of different spices, her eyes wandering multiple dozens of wooden tanks filled with eccentric colours of dry whatever. Her eyes hurt from the intensity and she had to look away, but there was no escape in this place, every bit of it was loud with rainbows.

    She was too zoned out to notice until her shoulder made contact with one of the rags hanging loose from the ceiling and she almost jumped in start, but the women by the end of the isle, behind the counter was staring, pinning Lila to place with anxiety. Lila simply sidestepped and continued to walk in search for the crazy chick that brought her here.

    For that fracture of a minute, Lila thought of simply turning around and walkig away on her own. It would really save her from the enthusiastic ramble of ellen Ellen, she'll get back to cleaning quickly and maybe if it could turn out to be her lucky day after all, Ellen would get the fact that Lila wasn't keen on making any friends.

   The voice of the old lady from behind the counter thought differently.

   "Come, child," she said. Urging Lila to cross the distance between them. Lila frowned for a moment, contemplating the fact that she could actually be talkig to her. Her genuine comfort and loving tone could not have been directed to a mere stranger.

    "Come," this time she gestured with her hand, imperceptibly tilting her head to the side.

     Lila slid a foot against the ground with heavy hesitation till she was right before the counter. The old lady with the crumbling face and electrified grey hair reached quickly for her hand and held it within both of hers. She locked gaze with her grey eyes and stared.

    "Your eyes screem sorrow and grief in utter agony," she whispered.

    Lila had lost the ability to use her voice box. Like she would know, she thought to herself.

    "A cold heart you've made it, but it still beats," the old womem tilted her head to the other side, but didn't severe the intense gaze they held together. Then she flinched in apprehension after another long.moment. "It was not your fault child," she said, her voice a gentle coo to reassure her, but Lila was already tugging her hand out her grip. The old women's battered palms engulfed Lila's hand for another second firmly before she let go.

    Lila had absolutely no idea what she was going on about, but she knew she didn't wan to stay here for another minuite. In the women's sentimental and effusive voice she felt peculiar. And not the bad way. A feeling she loathed longing.

    Lila quickly spun around and made a dash to the door. It was indeed her lucky day because Ellen of all timings, picked right then to turn up. Lila risked a moment and frowned at her deeply and preciesly wondered; how could anyone be so...vivacious? She must be high on something. Lila shook her head and picked up her pace again. This time the intruder was the strange old lady with a bag of purple herbs inbetween her palms.

   "This is for you. As a welcome you could take it. It will help you sleep these restless eyes at night," she extended the bag to Lila. Lila could not do much than stare. Should she take it? She'd had much creeps already from this place, not to mention 'town' in barely half a day.

    The crumbled face sure had seen better days, but her smile looked vibrant and loving. Lila reached for it muttering 'anyway' and pushed herself out.