Speaking of food, warm air, filled with spices and sauces and sweet sugars, came to greet Violet abruptly. Turning away from the parade, she saw a small stand full of meats and sizzling sounds. Mei bought them a lion’s share of dumplings (though they looked like no dumplings Violet had ever seen before) and shared a small pot of tea. After that, they visited toy shops and craftsmen, seamstresses and cobblers. They watched children play, and listened to the street urchins and their music. By the time they’d reached the end of the street, Violet wondered if they should be getting back, when she spotted something around the corner.
In a small plaza courtyard, fenced off by brick and plank, was the wedding procession. No longer marching, they were all sitting around a massive table, full to t
