war of the Castillos

Rival shops

Rival Shops

The next morning, the town of Rivora buzzed as usual, Lina was already on her feet, her children helping her gather things into baskets. Rosa’s cooking business had died down years back because of her failing health, but Lina was determined to revive it.

By midday, she had rented a small shop right in the heart of the market. It was no coincidence that the shop stood directly opposite Anna’s. Some called it foolishness, others called it bravery, but Lina called it destiny.

Anna, watching from her side, folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. She could already smell trouble. Later that evening, she confided in her mother.

“Mama, why must she choose that place? Out of all the shops in Rivora, why the one facing me? Can’t you see she wants a fight?” Anna’s voice carried both anger and worry.

Maria, who was plaiting her hair in the backyard, waved her hand dismissively. “Anna, listen to me. You will always be above them. Even if she takes a shop in front, behind, or beside you, nothing will happen. My daughter, you are stronger. Just stay put. Remember, the Castillo blood runs hot but only the smart one wins.”

Anna nodded, though her eyes still burned with suspicion.

Across the street, Lina’s first day of business began. She sat on a low stool, watching the pot of soup bubble while her children moved about arranging plates. But the hours dragged, and her shop was quiet.

One customer came. Then another. And that was all. Two customers in a whole day.

Her heart burned as she looked across the road. Anna’s shop was overflowing. Customers lined up, plates clattered, the smell of spices and grilled fish filled the air. Workers ran in and out, their trays balanced high, while Anna sat proudly at the counter, collecting money and smiling as though she owned the whole town.

Lina’s only customer coughed suddenly, almost choking on his food.

“Ah! Water! Lila, bring water quickly!” Lina shouted, panic filling her voice.

“I’m here, Mummy!” Lila rushed in with a bottle of, holding it out with trembling hands. The man gulped it down, coughing less until he finally relaxed.

“God forbid,” Lina muttered under her breath, wiping her sweaty palms on her wrapper. “Even the little customer I get wants to die in my shop.”

But her eyes went back across the street. And what she saw only made her chest tighten.

A wealthy man had just arrived at Anna’s shop. Mr. C.Y., one of the richest traders in Rivora. He stepped out of his car, gold chain glistening, and pointed to Anna’s workers. “Give me one of everything today. Rice, stew, plantain, pepper soup, everything. Package it well.”

Anna’s staff sprang into action, bag after bag filled with food, the counter piled high. Mr. C.Y. handed Anna a thick wad of cash, and the whole shop seemed to glow with success.

From her stool, Lina watched, jealousy burning like fire in her stomach. She looked at her empty benches, her pots still full, and the one tired customer still coughing.

At that moment, Sofia and Luna walked into the shop, their faces full of irritation.

“Mummy, here is empty oo,” Sofia said, glancing at the deserted space.

Lina snapped her head towards her. “Shut up! What do you know? Don’t you know there is power in the tongue?” Her voice was sharp, carrying both warning and desperation.

Sofia, undeterred, shrugged. “But mummy… why don’t you go to Aunty Anna for some business ideas? Maybe she can teach you”

“What!!” Lina thundered, cutting her off. Her face twisted with rage. “Who is your aunty? Which aunty? Are you alright at all?”

The room fell silent. The twins froze where they stood, wide eyed, while Sofia rolled her eyes in disbelief.

“Now listen to me,” Lina said, pointing a trembling finger at her children. “She is not your aunty. They are not family. Have you all forgotten what her mother did to my mother?”

Her voice broke, then grew harsher. “Come closer, all of you.”

The twins hesitated, then shuffled towards her.

“Hold your ears,” Lina commanded. They obeyed reluctantly. “I don’t ever want to hear you referring to them as family again. Am I understood?”

“Yes, mummy,” the twins echoed in unison.

Sofia stood a little apart, arms folded, staring at them with an expression that said she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

Lina shot her a glare. “And before you two tidy up that place,” she barked at the twins, “I hope you understand exactly what I mean.”

The children nodded quickly, though Sofia’s eyes lingered with a trace of defiance.