In a dark alley, pressed against the outer wall of the capital, inside a shelter made of sheets of metal and scraps of canvas, a young girl lay half-asleep. Her name was Martha. It had been six years since her mother had abandoned her in the streets, no longer willing to take care of her, believing she was old enough to fend for herself. Six long years living on the streets, during which she had done everything to survive begging, stealing, and even killing.
After counting her money, she knew she was almost there. She had sworn to rise above her condition, no matter the means, and she was nearly at her goal. Those long years of saving had not been in vain. She needed only one more large silver coin, and she would finally be able to escape her life as a beggar. Hearing someone approaching, she hid her pouch in the wall, then replaced the brick. Just in time, before the canvas covering her shelter was lifted.
"Martha, hurry up! All the best spots are going to be taken. You know you have to get there early if you want any chance of being well placed," said a young girl.
"Ah, it's you, Sandrine," Martha replied, slipping the dagger back inside her coat.
"Who were you expecting, some crazy old pervert?"
"You know I'm not in a good mood in the morning. You're the only one who can bother me and walk away alive."
"Well, I'm off then. I value my life," Sandrine answered with a laugh.
"Ha, ha, go on, I'm coming."
Peeking out of her shelter, Martha scanned the alley, observing and analyzing potential dangers, looking right and then left. Judging that there was no immediate threat, she stepped out and closed the shelter behind her. Glancing in the direction of her friend, she followed her, always paying attention to her surroundings, staying on guard, for the streets were never safe.
After an hour of walking, the two girls finally left the poor district of the capital and entered the merchants' quarter. They were dazzled by the daylight, since the slums were constantly shrouded in gloom, hemmed in by tall buildings and the smoke pouring from countless chimneys.
After blinking several times, Martha opened her eyes onto a street that was beginning to fill. Merchants were setting up their stalls, and the first passersby were already roaming about in search of a good bargain before the crowds arrived.
"Well, it looks like there aren't too many people yet," Martha said, turning to her friend.
"Looks like we're lucky, Miss Sleepyhead. You'll be able to find a good spot," Sandrine said, giving her a playful smack on the back.
"Ow! That's mean, and I'm not a sleepyhead. I got up on time it's you who were late."
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I still have to go to my secret spot."
"Won't you tell me where it is? Please, please?"
"Sorry, Martha. It wouldn't be a secret otherwise."
"Aw, that's not nice," Martha said, pouting.
"Ha, ha, ha! See you tonight," Sandrine said, running off.
"Hey!"