After a cold, restless night, morning arrived with a refreshing calm for the little travelers. The chirping of birds, the cool breeze, the warm sunlight, and the glistening dew on the grass created a serene and harmonious start to their day.
Liabilities went around gently waking the girls in the car, while Naro, feeling refreshed and healed, stepped outside to stretch and breathe in the crisp morning air.
They had finally reached the town where Naro would be dropped off. Meanwhile, the boys had already headed off to explore a nearby shop.
The girls, feeling restless, decided to stretch their legs and invited Naro to join them for a short walk. Naro, however suddenly remembered she needed a toothbrush so she said she'll join later.
Naro decided to stop by a shop before meeting up with her sister. She slipped off her jacket to lighten herself before going to the store.
As she reached a nearby shop, she asked the shopkeeper for a toothbrush. While waiting, her eyes caught sight of an intriguing book that reminded her of her sister. Thinking it would make a nice gift, she decided to buy it as well.
As the shopkeeper handed her the change, it accident fell off to the floor. The shopkeeper apologized but Naro reassured him saying it was fine and bent down to pick it up.
As she crouched, a pair of legs stepped in front of the counter. The person also asked for a toothbrush, and when Naro straightened up, she found herself standing beside Sam.
Startled by his sudden presence, Naro's heart raced. Without thinking, she opened the book and pretended to read, using it to cover her face.
She looked down trying not to make eye contact with him but later she slowly gazed up to check if he is gone, only to realise he was looking right back at her.
Their eyes met, she could neither look away nor keep staring, her mind was in a jumble, her heart in a rush and her breathing got heavier, leaving a thick vapours from her mouth. Suddenly Sam gave a soft smile.
Her face grew hot as her thoughts spiraled. Does he recognize me? Or…
The moment lingered as she nervously held the book up, her eyes peeking over the top. But before she could say anything, the shopkeeper handed Sam his toothbrush. Without a word, Sam turned and walked away.
Naro stood frozen, puzzled. Why didn't he say anything? Then, realisation dawned—he had never seen her without the helmet, and without the jacket, she looked completely different.
Sighing softly, she clutched the book against her chest. I guess he doesn't know who I am after all. I'm not quite sure if I should be happy or not about it.
As Sam walked back, he found himself wondering about the girl Her eyes- Her eyes were luminous, a perfect blend of mystery and grace, as if the universe had poured its beauty into them.
Although why was she holding that book so strangely and why was there smoke coming out?
Was she smoking behind it?
(The smoke that came out from her mouth due to her heavy breathing)
Naro after returning back at the gas station, the girls had returned from their walk and were waiting outside the car. Time passed, but the boys were still nowhere to be seen.
Jangla, impatient as ever, declared, "I'll go see what's taking them so long," with Tsunamis and Flower immediately volunteering to join her.