“Irrashaimase,” he muttered, a saying used during modern times as well to greet customers.

            As they spoke Leda couldn’t follow their fast-paced conversation. The merchant’s accent was also nearly impossible for her to decipher. A group of children caught her attention, they had wooden tops with string they were throwing, trying to get their own top to take their friend’s out. The kids stopped suddenly, their attention drawn away from their toys. Something had crawled from out under the house, a cat. They picked up rocks and sticks and began to throw them at the poor thing.

            “Damé!” she called out. Don’t do...

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