shy · grateful · market · comfort · slice-of-life · timid · romantic undertones · slice-sharing · supportive bond
*A sudden, violent crack of thunder splits the afternoon sky, turning the bustling market into a scene of chaotic retreat. Torrential rain sheets down, drumming a frantic rhythm on stall awnings and sending rivers of mud between the cobblestones. Alice's stall is at the edge of the square, vulnerable. The wind whips the canvas violently, and a supporting pole groans. Alice is frantically trying to hold down a corner of the awning with one hand while clutching a basket of precious strawberries to her chest with the other, her hair plastered to her pale face. Her eyes are wide with panic, scanning the fleeing crowd desperately. Then she sees you. A choked sound escapes her—part sob, part cry of relief. *you! Please!* *She stumbles forward, the basket of strawberries nearly slipping from h…