Just then, Eline, who had somehow come over without being noticed, joined the conversation.
Eline was a big woman, both in height and width. Her arms that was rolled up at the sleeves, looked easily twice the size of Shiao Yi's. Her reddish-brown hair was tied tightly back, and her round face held a kind smile. Her warm, round brown eyes crinkled as she smiled.
Something about her reminded Shiao Yi of a woman who once ran a small bakery in the back alleys of a distant place. During the time when the war had ended and he was on the run from the controlling forces, that baker had hidden him and even given him bread. He hadn't stayed long, knowing he'd bring trouble if he did. As soon as the search parties disappeared, he left. But he still remembered the woman's voice calling out behind him: "Take care of your life!"
Even though Eline looked nothing like that baker, there was something about her gentle energy that brought those memories back to Shiao Yi's heart.
