Brielle

The marketplace was busy with activity, the air filled with the smell of fresh-baked bread and spiced meats. The vendors called out their wares in that familiar, rhythmic chant, each one trying to outdo the other for attention. I wasn’t here to shop, not really. I hadn’t been interested in any of these trinkets or baubles for a long time.

I moved through the crowd, my eyes scanning, looking for someone. I paused by a stall, running my fingers over some handwoven scarves, pretending to be interested in the vibrant patterns. I’d seen them all a hundred times before, but it gave me an excuse to stay in place,...