The next morning, after opening Zera's shop and asking a neighbor to keep an eye on it for a while, Phinehas and Yara set out together to visit the shop owner.
As they walked, they chatted casually about different things until Yara asked if Phinehas had collected the pending payment from another shop owner they had supplied goods to on commission.
"He refused to pay until the second batch is delivered," Phinehas replied, glancing at her with a sigh.
"I think he wants to confirm whether the quality will remain the same," he added, folding his hands behind his back as they approached the carriage stand.
"But our boss needs that first payment before releasing the next batch," Yara said, curling her lips thoughtfully and looking back at him.
"Let's try to convince him to pay first. The goods we delivered were excellent," Phinehas replied with a nod, waving to the carriage driver, who quickly welcomed them aboard.
After some minutes on the road, they arrived at the shop owner's premises and were shown into his office.
Following a short discussion and negotiation, the man finally handed the pending payment to Yara and showed her a sample of the textile he wanted for his next order.
"My friend brought me this piece. I'll need it reproduced by the end of the month," he said.
Yara examined the fabric closely and nodded. "We will get this and perhaps even better," she said with a faint smile.
The man stood up, and so did Yara and Phinehas.
When they reached the carriage, Yara counted the money on the way back, split their commission, and handed the rest to Phinehas.
"Deliver it before dusk. It's already almost midday," she instructed before hopping off the carriage, startling the driver. Phinehas chuckled and told him she was just a playful girl, and they continued on their way.
After the carriage disappeared down the road, a hand slipped around Yara's waist as she stood by the roadside.
She turned and chuckled. "I was beginning to wonder what took you so long!"
"I was here on time," Asiza said with a grin. "I just took a few extra minutes to admire you first."
He took her hand and led her along a narrow path through the bushes, shaded here and there by tall trees. They soon reached a quiet spot near a temporary shelter left behind by seasonal stonemasons and sat down.
"You look absolutely stunning today," Asiza said, his eyes tracing her figure.
"Thank you," Yara smiled, pulling some money from her bag and pressing it into his hands.
"Use this for the problem you told me about. We'll find a way to handle the rest together," she whispered, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Asiza hugged her tightly, kissing her neck softly and thanking her repeatedly.
Later that evening, Zayun was informed by one of his classmates that someone had come to see him at school.
He hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be, as the student didn't know whether the visitor was a man or woman the warden had simply asked him to fetch Zayun.
When he arrived at the reception, the warden directed him further inside. Zayun paused when he saw the back of the waiting figure, his brows furrowing as he stepped closer.
"Good evening, Mother," Zayun greeted softly when he recognized Zera. A small smile crossed his lips as he took a seat across from her.
"I was returning from a trip and thought to visit you before going home," Zera said with a bright smile, pulling a small gift box from her bag and handing it to him.
"Study hard and build yourself a bright future," she advised, her tone firming.
Then her expression dimmed. "Your sister had another abortion," she said quietly. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I've tried everything to help her."
Their eyes met briefly before Zayun looked away, his heart pounding.
"I didn't know… I'm so ashamed," he murmured, tears welling up. Zera turned aside, wiping her own tears with her palm.
"It's not your fault," she reassured him. Though she offered comforting words, the sadness on his face lingered.
After Zera left, Zayun walked a short distance away from the reception and opened the gift box. Inside were a pair of pens and a belt. He stared at them briefly, then tossed them into a nearby trash bin and headed back to the dormitory.
Days passed in silence between Egen and Yara. Months followed, and life carried on as usual until the holidays arrived, and Zayun and Moze finally returned home.