It was the kind of morning that made you forget the world’s cruelties for a while. The sun was soft and warm, the fog curling like lazy fingers over the fields, and the mountains stood tall in the distance, shrouded in mist. Melody walked the dirt path leading to the market, savoring the morning’s serenity. The earthy scent of soil mixed with the sweetness of wildflowers filled the air, and the faint chirping of birds created a soundtrack of peace.
The salve on her back stung a little, but it was better than risking the wounds reopening while she worked. As she approached the market, the scene shifted from tranquility to bustling life. Women tied aprons around their waists, arranging produce into neat piles while chatting about the day’s work. The faint, warm aroma of breads fresh from th
