She walked through the store with the sisters trailing behind her, pointing out special items and sharing their plans for the future establishment, when they would have more space and could offer a wider selection of items.
Their enthusiasm was infectious.
They spoke of adding a small café area to their proposed site, where people could enjoy tea and pastries, and of expanding their ready-for-the-table section. Yasmin was even thinking about hosting cooking classes.
"You have thought of everything," Annani complimented them.
A steady stream of clients moved through the store as they talked. Each was greeted warmly, like a friend or a neighbor, and not just a customer.
The sisters were not just running a store; they were also managing a family business. They were building relationships, weaving themselves into the community's fabric.
"Mistress." Ogidu dipped his head as he approached her. "We have gotten all the items on our list. Shall I proceed to pay?"
Annani glanced at the laden baskets both Odus carried. "Did you leave anything for the other customers?"
"The selection remains ample," Oridu assured her, missing the joke.
Despite their emerging sentience, the Odus still did not understand most humor and took everything literally.
As they walked up to the register, Soraya shook her head. "It's on the house, Clan Mother. Your money is no good here."
"Nonsense. I will pay like any other customer."
"But you're not any other customer," Soraya protested. "You're... you're..."
"A resident of this village who wants to support your business," Annani said. "If you refuse my money, how can I shop here with a clear conscience?"
"Please," Rana added her voice to her sister's. "Let us do this one small thing. After everything you've done for us?—"
Annani shook her head. "If you insist on this course, I am afraid I will have to take my business elsewhere. My Odus will continue shopping at the supermarket in town where they do not object to accepting my money."
Soraya's stubborn streak had met its match in Annani's determination, and as she looked to her sisters for support, they both shrugged helplessly.
When the Clan Mother decided something, arguing was futile—a lesson most clan members had learned a long time ago.
"Very well," Soraya said with a sigh that suggested great suffering. "But at least allow me to give you the family discount."
"You will charge me the same price as you do everyone else," Annani countered. "Or shall we continue this delightful debate? I have all day."
Soraya's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Before today, I had never met anyone more stubborn than I am." She completed the transaction and accepted the credit card Oridu handed her.
Once the receipt was printed, Annani stepped forward and pulled the startled woman into an embrace.
"Your success brings me such joy. Keep up the good work and never doubt your worth, my dear one."
Soraya stood frozen for a moment, then slowly, tentatively, returned the embrace. When they parted, her eyes were suspiciously bright.
"Thank you, Clan Mother." She bowed.
A slight tug on Annani's gown drew her attention downward. Cyra had emerged from behind her mother's skirts, her little arms raised in the universal child gesture for 'pick me up.'
"I want a hug, too."
Annani's heart melted. "Of course, sweetness. Come here."
She lifted the child easily, settling her on her hip. Cyra immediately wrapped her arms around Annani's neck, burying her face against the goddess's shoulder.
"You have a very special little girl," Annani told Yasmin, who was watching with a mixture of pride and concern. "You should bring her to visit me. Perhaps we could have tea parties with Phoenix. She is about Cyra's age. Would you like that?"
