Day 3

Yesterday was busy with my day job so there was nothing to update about. Today I started my list of places in the district. In each place, there will be a small scene with a few NPCs to meet.

Ampa’s stall does not look like much but most elders come here for the freshest, more flavourful vegetables in the district. The place is full of colours and scents. The green mass of Kangkung, coriander and cucumbers is dotted with bright red hot chilies and the earthy brown of fresh ginger. Under the canopy, a few clients are sheltered from the warm drizzle. Gossips and news are exchanged on a friendly tone between the regulars while their grandchildren improvise a marble game field nearby.

« I’m preparing stir-fried water spinach with shrimp paste for my family tonight. We are gathering to celebrate the kid’s graduation. Give me enough for eight, and only the better ones Ampa, as always » friendly ask Hasaniyah.

« My tips is frying the ginger from the beginning with the onions » advises Gatta, another regular.

Their chatter is broken by a cry from the playground. An eight-years-old girl is sobbing in the improvised playground. She is sitting on the ground, gripping her ankle. In front of her, a slightly older girl is apologising, still kneeling toward the marble target as if she had just taken a shot.

« I didn’t do anything, I swear, Alo. The marble moved on its own! You know how it works. Are you… » begins the older one, but she’s cut off. « You should have followed the rules, answers the sobbing kid. You made it do that because it was not your turn! It’s all your fault » as she starts crying even harder.

The two grandmothers hurry out from the canopy to check on the kids. A small, round bruise the exact size of a marble is already darkening on the younger girl’s ankle. The older one repeats her plea but the sorti of the moving marble is dismissed outright by the adults. Both children are scolded, the marbles are packed away, and everyone collects their vegetables before leaving in silence.