Once Penelope left with the delivery cart rattling down the street, the shop felt unbearably quiet.
Kana stood behind the counter, her hands resting on the polished wood, staring into the endless rows of green that swayed faintly as if alive.
A soft creak echoed from the rafters, followed by the brushing of leaves against each other.
Her throat tightened.
She knew these plants weren't normal; she had already experienced how they could move, grasp, and even try to pull her in.
Penelope had trained them—or at least kept them under control—but with the shopkeeper gone, Kana felt horribly exposed.
Her imagination betrayed her, painting scenes of the vines inching closer, curling around her ankles before she even noticed.
A single slip in her focus, and they could strangle her in seconds.
Kana hugged her arms to herself, shivering.
"Why did I stay behind…? Maybe going with Penelope was the safer option."
She bit her lip, forcing herself to straighten her back.
