:| A New Chapter |: {frankel}

Pinching at her skin, the growing heat of the summer’s sun was slowly colouring the surface of her body. It all came so quick, the warmth and Zita is blessed. Despite the droughts and the unpleasant sticky humidity, it was better than freezing to death, in her opinion. Everything came to life during the summer. Fields bustled with new crops, all the animals that had disappeared into hibernation in their full bloom after waking up during the spring. It was the favourite time of the year and she couldn’t wait to spend the very few three months relishing in it.

Moving through the centre of the market, a wicker basket held tightly in both hands, Zita’s eyes were planted on the variety of different stalls. Fruits, flowers, grains, materials, every object that people had grown and woven together themselves. She had been instructed in the morning by her mother to pick up certain fruits and a loaf of bread from the bakery. A thick brown loaf lies in the middle of the basket, waiting to be accompanied by the sweet gems that her eyes are currently locating on the vendor’s tables. Should I go for the small red sweet ones or the big green juicy ones? A simple dilemma that she faced.

Picking up a large green apple from a selection, she’d allow her eyes to observe it. Just a small bruise sat on its surface but it was still edible. Adding five more to collection, her basket would grow with items as she handed the coins over to the woman selling the fruits.

Padding across the ground, the soles of her feet remain resistant to the hard concrete surface of the street. Prying eyes still stare at her due to the lack of shoes or socks that she wears on her feet. Occasionally she gets the odd question thrown at her and sometimes she can hear mutters of those talking to others about her lack of footwear. But she has grown used to it. So many of the poor wander around shoeless, why must she be an exception? It’s her choice. If it wasn’t for the colourful garments that she wore and the various flowers that she laced as accessories, she could pass herself as poor person but it was hard to accomplish.

Growing on the sole of her feet, the callouses help protect the skin from any rough objects that may lie on the ground. Despite the floor being scorching hot from the sun’s flares, it seems she has picked up the trait of a reptilian beast and her feet have somewhat become heat resistant.

Heading back towards her home, she fights the urge to take a bite out of one of the apples. Wait until you get back home Zita! While being mesmerised by the juicy food that leads her home, she is at first oblivious to the girl that approaches her until she takes Zita by the hand. Being kicked back into reality by the touch of another human, her eyes meet a girl similar to her age. She looks like a beggar. Concern marches across her mind, as her charitable side begins to take control. ”Are you okay? Do you need help?” Keeping hold of her hand while she asks the questions.

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