I adjusted my shawl over my shoulders, balancing the basket on my arms as I walked into the nearby village market. The sun cast golden hues over the stalls brimming with fresh produce, bread, and goods.
Merchants called out their wares to passersby. The air was filled with the scents of ripe fruit, freshly baked bread, and herbs.
My triplets were at home, watched over by Edna, who had offered to help for a few hours. I needed to restock our pantry and hoped to find fresh ingredients to prepare hearty meals for my growing boys.
"Good morning, sir," I greeted the first vendor standing behind a stall of vibrant vegetables. "How much for the carrots and potatoes?"
The man glanced at me, but his smile faded as his gaze flicked over my plain dress and unfamiliar face. Without a word, he turned to another customer.
My stomach sank, but I forced a polite smile and stepped aside. Perhaps he hadn't heard me.
