While his sister continued preparing the bakery for the week, Ernst decided to visit the nearby plaza, where a public market was held. Although he had just graduated, Emilia had advised him to take a break before beginning his job search. Having spent four years both working and studying, he knew it had been no easy feat.
Walking along the sidewalk, the dry city air invaded his lungs. With fall approaching, one might expect cooler weather, yet traces of summer still lingered.
Their bakery was situated between the lower- and middle-class areas of Bauner, and the stench of pollution often followed residents in the vicinity. A stark contrast in the quality of the roads became apparent as one wandered closer to the city's so-called "slums."
Although a plumbing system had been established throughout the city, poorer areas received less attention than more wealthy districts.
The prime minister of Bauner had previously promised aid to the poor, provided they continued to vote for him. Yet, nothing was ever done to address the ongoing crisis in these areas.
For those living in this part of the city, such misfortune was merely a daily occurrence. While residents had adapted to the harsh conditions, visitors unaccustomed to the putrid air were far more likely to fall ill.
After walking for about thirty minutes, Ernst heard the growing bustle of a large crowd as he entered the local market.
Children ran around unsupervised while housewives carried on their daily shopping in order to prepare dinner.
As he approached the many shops located in the plaza's center, Ernst dodged muddy puddles that lingered on the stone-tiled path.
In the dark corners of the plaza, suspicious men in hoods could be seen bargaining under the shade of tents that usually sold illegal goods. Foreign goods or banned substances tended to be marketable items within these sections of the area.
While navigating through the maze of small businesses, the smell of smoked meats and exotic perfumes filled the air. The sound of motor vehicles and gas would also compete with the more "natural" tones of the area.
Eventually, he stood in front of a stall with a bright red blanket acting as its shade. The structure remained modestly upholding its ceiling, even with the evident signs of rotting wood. Dust particles flew in and out as people passed by.
As he walked closer, a familiar figure came into view.
"Busy today?" he spoke while leaning against the stall.
A man about the same height as him turned his body to face the person who had just spoken.
He wore a rough leather vest and had dirty brown hair. Although he initially wore a bored expression, it became more lively upon realizing who had called out to him.
"Ernst! Good to see ya!" the man spoke in delight.
With tired eyes, he squinted, letting out a wide smile. Christopher, whom Ernst had known since he was a boy, was a kind man who had lived in Lower Bauner. Although Ernst knew fairly little about the man, his impression was mainly rooted in his having a kind and gentle nature.
"I'll take that as a no?" Ernst carried forward his banter.
Upon hearing this, the man chuckled.
"Unfortunately, you're right," he sneered.
Too honest for his own good…Ernst thought.
Looking down, Ernst saw a selection of a variety of random goods.
Among the selection were gems and jewelry, many of them having clearly lost their lustre. Next to the accessories were a selection of rusted knives of varying sizes and shapes. The cloth that had been clearly dirtied by unknown liquids bedded the goods Christopher had for sale.
Ernst hovered his hands over a few of the man's products as if he was showing interest in one of them. "There seems to be a few good picks today."
"You flatter me, boy."
With wrinkled eyes, the old Christopher picked up one of the jewels and began to polish it with a brown rag. As Ernst watched him, the jewel still failed to show any sign of regaining its shine. He continued to rub the old object, then looked back at his young friend.
"How are things lately? I heard that you've graduated recently."
"Soon, you'll be a working member of society," he said with a chuckle.
Ernst exaggeratedly puffed his chest. "Employers will be begging for me to work for their companies upon seeing my name."
He felt himself cringe at the words that had just left his mouth.
Christopher burst out laughing, hearing Ernst's arrogant declaration.
"I'm sure they will, haha."
Although this was a blatant lie, Ernst simply wished to continue to see his friend smile. Such things came naturally to him.
"How about you? Any notable sales since the last time I'd seen you?"
Christopher sighed while placing down the worn-out gem he had in his hand.
"Not at all. If anything, things have been a bit slow around here recently."
"People are growing blind to good quality accessories nowadays."
Ernst smirked while acknowledging his old friend's bold statement.
"Emilia wonders how you're doing, by the way."
"It's been ages since she last saw you," he inquired in an attempt to change topics.
"Your sister? I haven't seen her since you were still a small brat."
"But, seeing as you've graduated without issues, it seems like she's doing well as well," Christopher said, upholding his warm smile.
"I'll let her know that you're still brimming with energy. Perhaps you can visit our bakery one of these days. She'd be more than happy to see you herself," Ernst suggested.
Although touched by the invitation, Christopher responded, "Perhaps one day. For now, I must guard my tent. Never know when someone might steal from me… especially in these parts of the city.
"The saying goes, a wise business owner must be vigilant in seizing opportunities at any second, should they arrive."
To Ernst, although Christopher seemed to be scamming customers with far-from-brimming jewelry, his old friend was simply trying to get by. Despite not sharing much of his past, Ernst could sense a faint sadness emanating from him from time to time.
A moment of silence passed between the two.
In a sarcastic tone, Ernst spoke, "There's another saying, old men shouldn't be alone for too long, or they might go mad."
"Really? I've never heard of that saying. It sounds like you just made it up," the old Christopher replied.
"Oh? Everyone's been saying it nowadays. It's not just an idiom either, but also a scientific fact." Ernst spoke with seemingly honest conviction.
Christopher's eyes twitch hearing the young man's statement.
Defeated, he resorted to changing the conversation once more.
"Stop pestering me, you stinky brat. Are you gonna buy something or not?
"At this rate, I should start charging you for my time."
Still sneering, Ernst spoke once more, "Oh? I didn't know you were in that type of business."
Christopher's face seemed to be refraining from changing into something that no one had seen before. Before going too far, Ernst decided to withdraw and see if he could purchase something to make amends for his teasing.
Scanning the cushioned goods, he picked up a small pocket knife. Compared to the other items on display, the knife still seemed to hold some of its edge.
Ernst lightly stroked the knife in the air, testing its durability.
"How much for this, old man?" Ernst continued to wave the knife about.
"I told you to stop calling me that… I'm not that old," Christopher muttered with a small vein protruding from the side of his head.
"Let's see…"
Looking at the item Ernst was holding, he seemed to have immediately come to a price.
"How abou-"
Their hearts stopped.
Just before Christopher could deliver his verdict, a woman's scream could be heard not too far from them. Catching their attention, the two men instinctively looked in the direction of the shriek. The murmurs of bystanders grew louder as they pushed forward to see the cause of the commotion.
What happened?
Policemen were seen rushing in the direction of the commotion. Each of them wore faces of displeasure and worry.
It was not uncommon for accidents to happen on this side of Bauner. Robbery and assault would inevitably happen in an area where citizens were struggling to get by.
The voice of a young lady screaming for men to get away from her resounded throughout the plaza. It was as if she were in grave danger.
Still looking toward the source of the cries, Ernst turned to Christopher and said, "I'm going to take a look."
His legs began to move away from the stall. However, he suddenly felt his arm being pulled back towards where he was initially standing.
"Don't go."
Christopher gripped the boy's arm tightly.
"I don't want you to see… whatever is there."
Looking up, he saw the aged yet strong man with a serious and pained expression in his eyes.
Slowly, the mature-aged man softened his grip and removed his hands from Ernst.
He looks terrified…what's going on….why can't I see what's happening…is the lady okay…are we in danger?
Many thoughts flashed across his mind. Curiosity and worry swirled within him.
Recovering from the shock of being tightly pulled back, he recomposed himself and asked Christopher what he was so cautious about.
"Why mustn't I look?" he asked.
"That's the third incident this week." Christopher sighed as if he were already familiar with the situation.
Surprised, Ernst asked the old shopkeeper what he was talking about. "What's been going on since the last time I visited?"
Although Ernst usually frequented the plaza that divided the slums and middle class area of the city, he had been busy while preparing to graduate.
Christopher looked at Ernst with a sense of concern. The mature man seemed to hesitate about what he might say to the young man in front of him.
The old man reluctantly closed his eyes and sighed. He then leaned over the counter, keeping enough distance for a whisper to carry over.
"People have been going mad lately…" he spoke quietly so as not to let those around them hear.
"Mad?" Ernst replied in a similar volume.
"Yes. Do you remember Mrs. Wagner?"
Ernst nodded in response.
"She was taken away last week…she suddenly screamed out in public while ripping out large strands of her hair. The poor lady looked like she was in so much pain…"
Although he did not know her personally, Mrs. Wagner was a sweet woman. The lady would often visit the market to shop for spices for her cooking. Despite losing her husband years ago, she remained unwilling to remarry.
She used to give me candy as a child…
"She hasn't returned?" Ernst incurred.
Sighing once more, Christopher spoke, "Unfortunately, no. No one has seen her since she broke down that day."
"Other than today, and last week, there were other incidents as well…"
"I suggest you don't come back too often…at least until things calm down."
Ernst's face was slowly painted with worry.
"How about you?"
"Do you really plan to continue to stay in the plaza?"
If danger were constantly springing up within these parts, Ernst's old friend may very well be in danger as well. The young man could not help but be concerned with such a possibility.
Christopher slowly raised his hand and placed it gently on Ernst's shoulder.
"Don't fret too much, I'll be okay." Christopher began to emanate his usual caring nature while delivering these words.
"I've lived here for years, and I've seen many things…"
"I've seen too many idiots getting themselves injured, jailed, or even killed, yet I'm still here."
"Plus, you said it yourself — I should have enough energy to last me at least a couple more decades," he chuckled.
Christopher observed Ernst's face.
Brat… You're better off putting your worries about your future rather than this old relic… He thought to himself while swallowing his true feelings.
Sensing how his reassurance did not convince him, he grabbed the small switchblade Ernst had been holding earlier.
"Here," he said while handing out the small object. "You might need it if you really want to check up on me from time to time."
Officers could be heard yelling for backup as more men seemed to head in the direction of the commotion.
Ernst paused, then smiled as he spoke.
"I can't say I'll pay you back, though," reverting to a teasing tone that resembled his sibling.
Hearing this, Christopher sighed as he tossed the object lightly toward the young man.
"Just take it before I change my damn mind."
The concealed blade danced lightly in Ernst's hands as he clumsily tried to grab hold of it.
The two men laughed at their own banter.
"You should be heading home now, before things get really bad."
More officers dressed in uniform entered the plaza, this time with rifles and metal batons in their hands.
Grabbing the young man's shoulders, he directed him away from the sight of violence and pushed.
"Next time you come, bring me some of your muffins!" He called out as Ernst stumbled toward one of the exits of the plaza.
Turning back, the young man saw the old Christopher waving with a smile.
"I'll make sure to do so! Stay alive and kicking till then, old man!"
As he turned to leave, he could hear Christopher's chuckling amidst the sound of distant struggle.
The most Ernst could do for his friend was adhere to his word.
He had always listened to the old man, so there was no reason to go against his wishes this time.
He brandished the small switchblade in his hands while ensuring he planned his next visit.