I rush to the kitchen to wrap my mother in a hug, pecking her lightly on her cheek.
“I love you, Mama,” I gush, checking her over and only relaxing when I see the swelling has eased.
“I love you more. Thank you for a restful day. Hurry now, here’s some money for the market. Run along and fetch the fish,” She instructs.
I am surprised my mother is even entertaining the idea of me venturing off to the market alone— especially with the recent string of disappearances. But I have no intention of reminding her about the missing townsfolk, so I try not to smile as I slip the money into my sock. I’m looking forward to the trip. I’ll take any opportunity I can to get out of the house.
“Yes, Mama,” I reply, realizing she’s waiting for my answer.
“And Mercy, do not dawdle. Stick to the main route. I will not have my only daughter stolen away from me,” she warns, narrowing her eyes to show me she means it.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes at the thought of anyone kidnapping a girl my age. Instead, I heed her warning, giving her one last hug goodbye.
“I’ll be extra careful. You know I could never leave you alone in this world.”
I step outside, clutching the marigold like a secret, and head toward the market—and whatever waits for me there.
At the market, the sting of salty air tickles my nose like a friendly hello. Everything is loud and busy. The auction is going on at the shore, where stand owners are lined up bidding on the crates full of fresh fish and other sea creatures. The hustle and bustle of endless bodies and chatter fills the rows as townspeople search for fresh groceries. The delicious smell of bread and sugared nuts wafts through the air, mixing with the salt to create a comforting scent. I love the market. It’s filled with throngs of interesting people, overflowing with both new and familiar faces. But I’m only searching for one in the sea of people flooding the market and bringing it to life.
Once I spot my cousin Miriam at my uncle’s booth, I quicken my pace, twisting and turning through the crowds of shoppers with my basket in tow. It doesn’t take long to reach her.
“Hello there, beautiful,” Miriam remarks, smiling at me beneath the rim of her busy sun hat, decorated with exotic flowers from an earlier delivery.
“Hello, Miriam, how are you today?” I ask, making small talk as she wraps up a purchase for another customer.
“I’m lovely, thank you for asking. What can I do for you today?” She slides the money into a guarded steel box chained to the collar of a majestic jaguar, its tail flicking lazily as it watches anyone who dares glance at the box.
I hand her the list my mother sent, waiting for her to read it over and tuck it in her shirt pocket.
“The flowers on your hat are stunning. Are they another gift?” I shimmy my shoulders at her.
“Now, Mercy,” she scolds, “you know better than to question a lady about her admirer.”
“So heishere,” I deduce with a grin. “When are you going to tell me who it is? Did he say if he’s ready yet?” I pry, gossiping away—oblivious to the market, when I should be alert and observant.
“Shhh,” Miriam giggles, holding a finger to her lips and nodding at her younger sister fulfilling another order on the other side of their large booth.
I roll my eyes, then press my lips together, pretending to lock them and throw away the key.
We both burst out laughing, which earns us a scowl from her sister. It only makes us laugh harder. We continue our friendly conversation as she fills my basket, tucking in extras when she thinks I’m not watching. My uncle tries to help as much as he can without interfering, slipping my mother extra food. It’s one way he helps take care of us, knowing there’s nothing he can do about my father.
While Miriam turns away to collect a few apples and several vines full of grapes, I scan the market for the flower salesman, pushing his cart full of freshly trimmed flowers from the trading posts across the Opaline Sea. One minute I’m looking around and the next—a prickling tingle brushes across the back of my neck, making every hair on my body stand up. I’m immediately aware that someone, somewhere, is watching me. The heat of their stare ripples over me, sending a pulsing panic cold through my veins.
Turning slowly, I catalog everything going on around me as far as my eyes can see, then move to the next zone until—
Miriam taps me on my shoulder, and I jump, yelping.
“Is everything okay, Mercy? I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry.” She wrings her hands as she apologizes.
“It’s okay. I just spooked myself. It felt like someone was watching me, but it’s fine,” I brush it off.
“Do you want my brother to walk you home? You know my father won’t mind,” Miriam offers.
I glance at my sixteen-year-old cousin. He’s all sun-kissed skin and sturdy muscle from long days at the docks—still more boy than man, but solid enough to make trouble think twice. But I know he’s needed here. Besides, I no longer feel the lingering presence of watchful eyes on me. As long as I stick to the main road like my mother advised, I’ll be just fine.
“No,” I stammer. There’s still plenty of daylight out and so many people traveling to and from the market. “I’ll be alright, as long as I hurry.”
“I’ll expect one of you in a few days,” she replies, patting the now full basket.
