Lina is about to leave Robert's den when she realizes that she is still covered in blood. She can't go back to Sarah in this state. Once outside, Lina zippers her jacket to cover up the blood on her shirt. She puts on her hood, and ventures into the cold night streets. She hurries up to Sarah and runs as fast as she can. On her way, Lina stops at a store and picks a random shirt. When she arrives in front of the storehouse, she unzips her jacket, takes her shirt off, and puts on the new one. Then, she wraps the jacket around her waist to cover the bloodstains on her trousers.
As soon as she walks in Sarah rushes to her.
Sarah: Lina! (running to her)
Lina: Hey, you! (hugging her)
Sarah: I've missed you!
Lina: Me too! It was a very long day! (she exhales) And I have a little surprise for you! Tomorrow we gonna go for some shopping and you can buy everything you want! (she says winking at her)
Sarah: For real? (she says with a big smile) Oh! (she startles) can we buy some chocolate too?
Lina: (she laughs) Of course! EVERYTHING you want!
Sarah: Cooool!
The day after, they both go out for some shopping as expected. First, they enter a clothing store, but as soon as they walk in, one of the vendors is staring at them. The same look all over again, as if they were some kind of threats... Lina approaches the vendor.
Lina: We're here to buy some clothes (she says pissed), and here's the money! (showing the money) See?
The vendor nods.
Vendor: The Lady's section is this way. Follow me!
They follow her, and when they arrive, Lina's eyes are all sparkling, so many beautiful things all around her that she finally can afford.
Sarah runs to a cute little white dress with yellow flowers.
Sarah: Can I try it?
Lina: Of course, go ahead!
She tries on the dress and starts spinning around while laughing.
Sarah: Lina! Look! (laughing) It's so beautiful!
Lina hasn't seen her sister so happy since that tragic night.
Sarah: (turning to Lina) Can we take it?
Lina: Yes... absolutely!
Lina chooses some outfits as well. They buy coats, gloves, and other necessary items to survive the harsh winter of New York. Afterward, they head to another store and pick up some food.
Looking at everything they bought, Lina realizes that she can't hold any more stuff, her hands are already full. Thus, they decide to stop at a diner. They get in and sit down at a booth. A waitress comes to take their order.
Waitress: What can I bring you two?
Lina: I'll have a cheeseburger with fries, some onion rings, and a soda! Please! (she says, all happy)
The waitress turns to Sarah.
Waitress: What about you, darling?
Sarah: I want a lot of fries (she says very excited), and a burger! Oh, and do you have some ice cream?
YOU ARE READING
As Long as I Breathe...
RomanceLina arrives in the United States alongside her four-year-old little sister Sarah. Both have fled their country because of the war that took Lina's parents' lives. For Lina, the United States represented an opportunity to start from scratch and put...
