Chapter 4: Going Rowing to the Market… Damn it! I Can't Row!
———
I was lying stretched out on the bed, feeling lazy, rolling around in annoyance.
Yoi called softly, her voice gentle, "Khun Warun, are you awake yet?"
I groaned, replying without even realizing, "Not awake yet!"
I was definitely not used to waking up this early. Too early for someone like me!
A soft laugh from Yoi floated in from outside the door. "Not awake, yet why do you answer?"
I shook my head carelessly and mumbled, half-asleep, "Yoi, come in…"
Yoi opened the door with a barely contained smile. Two other servants followed, taking down the mosquito net and placing a bowl of water by the bed. The cold water in the bowl made me feel slightly refreshed.
Yoi opened the wardrobe and politely asked, "What will you wear today, Khun Warun?"
I yawned widely, glancing at my clothes lazily. "Something comfortable is fine," I replied softly, with a faint smile.
Alright, from now on, Yoi doesn't need to wake me—just prepare water, that's enough.
Yoi's expression seemed sad, like I had done something wrong.
"Um… I'm grown up. I want to do it myself, just a little, okay?"
"Very well, Khun," she replied, smiling at me.
I got up from bed and went to shower, furrowing my brows a little as I recalled last night's dream. "What the hell kind of dream was that! Running, jumping, running again…"
After showering and getting ready, I put on a long-sleeved silk shirt and lightweight trousers. I stood in front of the mirror, examining myself with satisfaction, a faint smile forming on my lips.
"Who is this guy? Why is he so handsome?" I whispered, mock-surprised, then laughed at myself. "Ah, it's me!" I laughed lightly, adjusting my clothes and smiling at my reflection.
Dressed and ready, I walked to the main house toward the dining room. Everyone in the family was already waiting. As I entered, all eyes turned to me—it felt like the first day I moved into this house.
"The atmosphere is warm as always…" I thought sarcastically.
Mom smiled softly, her voice sweet, "How are you, dear? Did you sleep well?"
"Very well!" I replied with a broad smile. My bright expression looked like a child who had just heard there would be treats this morning.
My sister sat nearby, smiling warmly, while Dad sat quietly, his eyes gentle and pleased. "Cheerful so early, huh, little rascal?" I thought, smirking slightly.
Breakfast was shrimp porridge with freshly squeezed orange juice—a light meal. Everyone seemed in a hurry, so they dressed more formally than usual.
"Dad in a rush for work?" I asked, noticing his hurried manner, a hint of curiosity in my voice. Mom answered for him.
"Yes, dear. Dad has an important meeting today," Mom said sweetly.
I raised an eyebrow slightly and thought, "Ask Dad but Mom answers. Brilliant," smirking inside.
"And what about you, Mom? Where are you going?" I continued, watching Mom look especially radiant.
"I have errands with friends," Mom answered brightly, looking especially stunning today. I thought, "Wow, Mom looks gorgeous today." I nodded, understanding the family's hectic morning. My sister also had guests today—probably her friends.
After breakfast, everyone dispersed to their own activities.
I quickly got up from my chair and headed outside, smiling at the visitors. "Yo!" Jane greeted immediately upon seeing me, her face bright with a small, wide smile.
"What's up?" I replied teasingly, leading her to the small house. The place felt shady and cool, relaxing in the gentle breeze.
"The atmosphere here is amazing!" Jane exclaimed, taking a deep breath.
"Yeah, it is. But at night, you might get scared and can't move," I laughed lightly, shrugging, watching Jane's playful shocked expression.
At the pavilion, I saw the servants had neatly arranged desserts: layered cakes, thong yip, and sang thong lined up on the table, the sweet aroma tickling my nose.
"Thanks a lot," I said with a smile, waving them off.
"Whoa! So delicious!" Jane's eyes widened, laughing softly, picking up a dessert, her expression like a child discovering sweets for the first time.
"Overacting, like you've never eaten before," I teased with a smirk.
Jane grinned, "Have you tried it before?" she asked, playful and teasing.
"Well, some of them, yeah," I replied, taking a piece and acting dramatically, making Jane laugh.
After enjoying the desserts, the crunching of our bites filled the atmosphere with fun. I mumbled, "So, what about my foundation?" while smiling. Jane raised an eyebrow in curiosity while chewing.
"Here, I tried it for you," Jane said, holding out a small jar. Excited, she described, "Thick cream, pale white for smooth skin. Feels a bit heavy, with a faint floral scent. I think it's okay. Trust me, it's a must-have!"
"Thanks so much!" I said with a wide smile, making Jane laugh softly.
"I'll apply it," Jane replied, carefully cleaning my hand before opening the jar and applying it to my wrist. The foundation blended well, slightly darker than my skin, but better than leaving the tattoos visible.
"Ah, I feel better now," I thought, clearly relaxed.
"Hey, shall we go to the market today?" I asked, my excitement like a child about to get a new toy. The clothes were making me feel hot and uncomfortable.
"Let's go! But which market?"
I: I don't really know.
Jane: You invited me but have no clue.
I: Yeah, I agreed but also have no clue.
Jane: So…?
I: Look outside the pavilion. The boats are full; some people look like they're going to sell stuff. Just guessing.
Jan looked out and nodded.
"Alright, I'm buying a whole wardrobe!" Jane said decisively, making me smile.
"I want to make perfume, lipstick, lotion myself. I saw recipes online before," Jane proudly added, "I'll make it smell so good people will faint!"
Yeah, I don't remember the history, but she remembers those recipes.
Jan: Does history make me beautiful then?
I: Sure, do as you like.
Jane: Good, I recently watched historical films from abroad and learned how to make perfume. I got interested, I'll try it out.
I: Make one for me too, haha! I said jokingly. As a good-looking guy, I have to take care of myself; my skin's dry now.
"Of course!" Jan replied, smiling confidently.
"Shall we go now?" I asked eagerly.
"By car?" Jan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure… or do you want to fly there?" I laughed cheerfully.
"No no! I want to row the boat," Jan said with a laugh, looking excited.
"Row?" I asked, stunned.
Jan smiled, pointing at the wooden boat tied near the pavilion.
"Hmm… okay. I don't like risking my life, though," I muttered.
"So how are we going?" I asked, confused.
"Rowing it ourselves," Jan replied, demonstrating a rowing motion. "This is going to be epic!"
"Are you for real? What's going through your mind?" I looked stunned.
"Just for fun, man! I've been wanting to try rowing for ages!" Jan said, beaming.
I paused, thinking what to do with my friend. How have we stayed friends this long?
"Hmm, that sounds really interesting. Alright, let's go!" I replied energetically.
"And can you row?" I asked curiously.
"Of course!" Jan answered confidently, with a humorous tone.
"Alright, perfect. Amazing!" I said, joking and sarcastic. "Rowing… in unknown waters… nothing could be crazier, huh?"
"Just follow the others rowing; you'll get it."
I hoped it would be that simple.
⸻
After hearing me say that, Jan lifted her head with an excited look, patting her chest dramatically.
"But I don't have any money though."
Since I came here, I hadn't even touched a single coin. Honestly, I didn't even know what the currency looked like.
"No worries! You can borrow from me. I'm rich." Jan wiggled her brows at me, pulling a smug face that made me roll my eyes.
"Oh really? I'm rich too, you know!" I mumbled under my breath, pouting like a sulking kid. "Just… not sure where my money's hiding right now."
I paused for a moment, then snapped my fingers. "Wait—my sister! Of course. That's what siblings are for, right?" I turned to Jan with urgency. "Come on, let's ask her!"
"Yeah, yeah, hold on. Let me finish this snack first." She stuffed another sweet into her mouth, laughing like she had all the time in the world.
Once Jan finally cleaned off the plate, the two of us headed to the big garden. But the moment we arrived, my whole body froze in place.
"Shit! I forgot Sis had guests today…" My voice came out low and panicked, while Jan's face mirrored my shock.
"Whoa… damn, there's a lot of them."
Just when I tried to sneak backward, my eyes locked with one of the guests.
Dark, deep eyes. Warm tan skin. A straight nose. Perfect lips shaped like a bow, with a single mole on his cheek that somehow made him even more attractive.
Goddamn. He was stunning.
And here's the problem: I'm already hot as hell… but this guy? This guy was on another level.
My chest tightened. A weird sensation rushed back into me—like a memory I couldn't shake.
"Warun, what you're doing isn't right. You're making your parents suffer, do you realize that?"
That voice. Deep, gentle, echoing in my head like a shadow.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push it away. Then Jan's whisper brushed my ear.
"You good?" she asked, worry flickering in her tone as she noticed my face go pale.
Before I could answer, my sister Yaa's sweet voice carried across the air.
"Warun, dear. Did you come to see me?"
She smiled softly, waving me over. My throat went dry. I glanced at Jan, who raised her brows like, go on, dumbass.
"Go," she whispered, nudging me.
I stepped forward stiffly, pressing my hands together and bowing politely to Yaa's guests, flashing a nervous, awkward smile.
When I was done, Yaa tilted her head with a warm grin.
"Do you need something, little brother?"
Her happiness felt unusual. I blinked, hesitating, before sneaking a glance at Jan. She gave me the tiniest nod, lending me courage.
"Uh… I just wanted to talk," I stammered, then pulled my usual trick: pouting like a spoiled kid. "Can we talk somewhere else?"
Yaa's laugh was gentle as she took my hand and led me away to a quieter corner. She looked at me curiously.
"So? What do you need help with?"
I lowered my gaze, cheeks warm, then threw Jan another pleading glance.
"Well… I want to go to the market. But I don't have any money," I admitted, batting my lashes playfully.
Yaa chuckled, shaking her head before nodding.
"Wait here, alright? I'll be back."
She flashed me a smile and excused herself from her guests.
The moment she left, Jan and I locked eyes and grinned wide, clapping our hands together in victory.
"Your sister's too kind. Looks like she's totally whipped for you," Jan teased, smirking.
"Of course she is. Who wouldn't love me?" I shot back with a smug grin, making her roll her eyes so hard they could've flown out of her head.
"This guy…"
A little later, Yaa returned holding a large pouch. The second I saw it, my jaw dropped and my eyes nearly popped out.
Money. A whole damn bag of it.
"Here you go. Keep it safe, alright?" She handed it over. I bowed dramatically like she'd just given me the holy grail, making her giggle.
Oh sweet ATM sister,
My wallet's empty but my heart's full,
You fill me up, unlimited load,
Love package on goddamn overdrive!
"I'll tell Uncle Thet to row you there, okay?" Yaa offered with a smile.
I shook my head fast. "No, no! Not today. I'm just keeping it for later—like, for when you're at home."
She laughed softly. "Fine. But if you go, let the driver take you."
"Yes, ma'am!" Jan and I said in unison, grinning ear to ear.
As soon as we walked out of sight, the two of us burst into loud laughter, clutching the money like it was treasure.
Jan stopped walking and suddenly spoke with a serious face, though a hint of laughter hid behind it
"Such drama, but your brother seems kinda worried, huh?" Her voice was playful, yet sincere.
I couldn't hold back my laugh and pretended to be serious at her
"No way he's worried. I mean, I'm this handsome" I said, looking at Jan with confidence, secretly chuckling inside.
Jan rolled her eyes and sighed
"Alright, Mr. Handsome!"
I stepped out from the garden where I'd just borrowed money from my sister. I felt a strange gaze from that guy earlier—he kept staring at me. Did I do something wrong?
Jan and I looked around, then walked toward the small pavilion where a little wooden boat was tied along the shore.
As we approached, I chuckled quietly
"Feels like kids sneaking out for an adventure."
"Not much different, I guess!" Jan laughed, her voice mixing humor with excitement.
I bent down, picked up a dessert fork, and lightly carved a small heart at the tip of the boat's bow—my little "mark" so I'd remember which one it was.
Jan watched and crossed her arms, laughing
"Genius!" Her voice full of admiration.
"Of course," I smiled proudly, my eyes sparkling. In my mind, "Ray here, IQ million-eight, handsome and clever. Can't find anyone like me." I stood tall, self-assured.
Then we stepped into the boat. It rocked slightly as we sat. I grabbed the edge, pretending to be cool, and smiled confidently at Jan.
"Whoa! You really think we won't capsize before reaching the market?" My voice mixed excitement and worry.
Jan giggled
"Maybe…" Her tone playful, making me feel strangely happy.
"Damn…" I muttered as I untied the rope and pushed the boat slowly. The water rippled slightly.
"What now?" I asked, trying to sound confident despite my doubt.
Jan nodded, gesturing to teach me
"In movies, they say hold tight. One hand near the paddle blade, the other at the end. Dip it slowly, pull back gently, left then right…" Her voice full of determination.
I watched Jan paddle seriously, copying her movements. But when I tried, the boat spun wildly instead of moving straight. Water splashed, and our laughter blended with the splashes.
"Not hard at all…" I said, trying to sound casual, but inside I thought, This is impossible!
"Girl, this is tough as hell!" My voice carried humor mixed with struggle. Jan laughed until she doubled over.
"For real?!" I exclaimed as the boat wobbled again. I gripped the paddle tighter, trying to follow her instructions. Damn, we were doomed.
"Will we capsize?" I thought, paddling frantically to match Jan's rhythm.
Slowly, we started moving forward, taking turns paddling, laughing at our clumsy progress.
"Damn, I'm cracking up!" I tried to steer, but the boat still tilted.
Jan nodded
"Yeah, same here!" She smiled, laughing along.
Once we steadied the boat, we began to enjoy rowing. Our laughter echoed along the canal. The water reflected soft sunlight, making the moment feel cheerful and fun.
"I'm using the parasol 'cause I can't handle the sun. Face red 'cause I'm hot!!" I said, frowning at the heat, while Jan wiped her forehead.
The sun had suddenly grown stronger, and I muttered
"Damn, it's hot."
Jan laughed
"Yeah, just a bit more and I'll be the grim reaper!" She pointed at her slightly flushed face.
I teased her
"Crazy," making her grin.
Suddenly, I remembered how I like listening to music when I drive
"Wanna sing?" I asked.
"Sing?" Jan tilted her head, wiping sweat from her face.
After a moment, she understood
"Ah, sure!"
"Ray and Jan, two best friends!" I started singing.
"Ray and Jan, two best friends, selling goods along the canal. In our pile are the best fresh nuts, eat them all, woohoo~"
Our voices echoed along the canal. Jan laughed and paddled,
"It's so hot, I'll eat everything myself! Don't sell, just eat!" We laughed harder, the atmosphere full of joy.
People paddling past increased. I guessed we were almost there.
We headed south, following the boats, through narrow canals lined with houses. The flowing water made rowing easier. We heard splashes and smelled food drifting in the air.
Soon, we reached a small floating market. Vendors' calls filled the air.
"Hey, that's it, right?" I said excitedly, steering toward the busy market.
We carefully docked, tying the boat securely. The crowd, traditional and modern clothing, signaled different social status.
"Jan!" I called her over, and she joined me. Sunlight made us squint. The market buzzed with smells and sounds of food and sweets.
"Whoa! I don't know where to start!" Jan exclaimed, eyes wide, exploring everything.
"Damn, I'm excited. Let's go!" I grabbed her hand, entering the first shop, a traditional sweets stall.
"Excuse me, what's this dessert?" I asked, pointing to a round, golden-brown sweet with shredded coconut inside.
"Oh, that's coconut sticky cake," the vendor smiled.
"Two please!" Jan ordered excitedly.
After tasting, we moved on, exploring more stalls. Soon, we found a Chinese antiques shop.
"Jan, let's see inside. Might be something good," I said, smirking.
She hesitated slightly but curiosity won
"Okay, let's go!"
Inside, an elderly Chinese man greeted us warmly. The shelves and glass cases displayed charms and collectibles.
"Wow, so cool!" I exclaimed, picking up a brass hairpin with a dragon pattern, spinning it in my hands.
The man approached
"Hello, young ones. Looking for something?"
Jan pointed at a pale green jade bracelet
"What's this?"
"Ah, this is Yilian Jade. Protects health and brings good luck," he said kindly.
My eyes widened
"Really? If my sister wears this, it'll be great! Should we buy it?"
Jan rolled her eyes
"Don't act like a kid, but sure, buy it."
I smiled awkwardly
"Hey, if I buy multiple, any discounts?"
The man nodded, laughing
"Yes, I'll give a special price. Each jade has different power. One brings luck, another health."
"Awesome!" I picked a blue jade
"Jan, perfect for my sister. Let's get it."
Jan nodded
"Yeah, buy it. Less shopping for yourself too."
We bought several jade bracelets and silk fans. Jan picked a dragon hairpin,
"Ray, look! So pretty!"
I smiled, teasing
"Should I wear a Gatsby suit too? We'd be the coolest duo!"
Jan laughed
"You're not Gatsby-level yet, but sure, try if you want!"
⸻
We spent a little more time picking things out—jade bracelets, hairpins, and fans—before finally leaving the store.
As I stepped out, I felt a warm sense of joy thinking about the gifts I had chosen for my family. "This jade bracelet is for Mom… I hope she likes the pale green that's supposed to bring luck," I murmured to myself, holding up a slightly darker green bracelet, a symbol of good fortune. "And this one's for my sister… this soft pink should suit her perfectly."
I smiled at the thought of my younger siblings. "This necklace will fit my little brother… the deep sky-blue should match him," I said, then picked up a small purple necklace for my little sister, imagining her smile.
"This pin will be perfect for Khun Dad," I whispered to myself, examining a round dark-green jade pin etched with a gentle wave pattern. "The color and design… he'll look distinguished wearing this."
Finally, I glanced at the things I had picked out for myself. "And for me… bracelets, earrings, new clothes for Lunar New Year… if I get a chance to wear them, that is."
When Jan and I entered the clothing store, it felt like stepping into a European classic scene. The scent of old wood mingled with the warmth of soft lighting streaming through colorful stained glass. The atmosphere was rich, elegant, and cinematic.
"Whoa… these outfits are over the top!" Jan exclaimed, eyes wide as she reached for a coat hanging on the rack. "Feels like it's straight out of a movie!"
A European sales clerk with a clear Thai accent smiled politely. "Hello, are you looking for anything special today?"
I grinned mischievously. "Just browsing for now. The store is really impressive."
Jan tugged at my sleeve, pointing toward a corner where three-piece suits hung elegantly on wooden racks. The clerk guided us, "You might like this one. It's a very classic style, quite popular."
I couldn't resist. I picked up the fedora and placed it on my head, striking a pose. "How's this? Looking like the owner of a fancy club or what?"
"Too handsome," I said jokingly, making Jan laugh.
She nodded, pretending to agree. "Kinda… but not exactly like a club owner."
The clerk chuckled before turning to Jan. "Would you like to try this dress? It's a pastel chiffon with delicate lace embroidery. Very romantic, and it would look beautiful on you."
Jan held the dress in front of her and looked in the mirror. "Doesn't it look too princess-y?"
I teased, "It kinda does." Then I smirked playfully. "I mean the dress does… but your face doesn't." I turned my head slightly to hide my grin from her.
Jan scrunched her nose and glanced at the clerk. "I'll take this one!"
After nearly emptying the store with my antics, we stepped out, looking for snacks and then trying to find a shop that sold perfumes, lip balms, and other items Jan was interested in. The shop was hidden deep inside an alley, almost making us lose our way.
Everywhere we asked, no one seemed to know. Sigh… this is so bad.
We wandered through several shops, hands full of purchases. I got distracted by things I had never seen before, and my eyes caught the golden-yellow temple roof shining in the sunlight. I nudged Jan.
"Hey, do you wanna check out the temple first? Then we can find the shop you wanted."
⸻
Jan turned to look at me, her expression calm but with a hint of excitement in her eyes "Sure, let's do it. It might actually make me feel better"
We stepped into the temple, and the air was thick with the scent of incense and fresh flowers, blending with the earthy smell of old wood and stone. Faint sounds of temple bells chimed intermittently, mixing with soft chants and the murmur of people coming to pray, relax, or children running across the courtyards. There was a serene rhythm to it all, peaceful yet alive.
I felt a wave of calm, but then an elderly monk approached us. His presence carried both age and a quiet authority. He spoke a few words, and Jan and I froze for a moment, unsure how to respond.
"You two aren't from around here, are you?"
When he noticed our stunned expressions, he chuckled softly and added, "Alright, no need to say anything yet. Just follow me"
We nodded and followed him inside. We walked toward a hall adorned with multiple Buddha statues. The largest statue sat prominently behind the others, radiating a sense of calm and majesty.
The monk went to sit near the main Buddha, motioning us to sit. We placed our purchases near the door and sat cross-legged in front of the statue. The monk looked at us silently, then raised his hands in a respectful gesture.
I finally asked, my voice soft with curiosity "How did you know we're not from here?"
He smiled faintly "Just a guess"
"Ah…" I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips
"I'm just teasing," he said. "It's to help you both relax"
He leaned slightly forward, speaking with calm certainty, "The return of the young man's spirit… it wasn't by coincidence"
I frowned, trying to understand "What do you mean? Someone planned it?"
"That's right," the monk said.
⸻
Jan stood quietly, her face unreadable, but tears glistened at the corners of her eyes.
It wasn't karma… or fate from past lives.
"It's just… I care too much about my friend… I don't want to let him go alone. That's all"
She thought silently, feeling a surge of affection for me, "It's because I love my friend… that's why."
⸻
I stayed silent for a moment, murmuring to myself in a low voice "Then… who called me back? Who wants to see me?… And if they truly wanted me, why not wait until the next life?… And what about my current body? Is it still lying there… or am I really gone?"
The monk closed his eyes slowly, as if contemplating something deeply, then spoke in a measured, firm voice "I do not know who called you back. But what I do know is… they wanted to meet you again in this life, not the next. Some hearts refuse to let go. Some desires are so strong they anchor a spirit here. They do not want to wait; they want to protect"
He turned to look me directly in the eyes, calm yet carrying an unspoken depth.
"Your body in this life… it still exists. Resting, as if exhausted, but it is not dead. Your spirit is here because some things remain unfinished"
I couldn't help but mutter, half in awe, half joking "Wow… they really care about me. They called me back… that's… touching"
"But they let me die by a fruit? Come on! I never die in style! You really love me, huh? Set your mind to it… and let me get hit by a durian! True love, huh! Thanks!"
"Ah… heaven, really. Instead of being reborn gracefully, I end up inhabiting a dead body, with tattoos and all. A low-budget reincarnation, wow!"
"…But anyway, at least now I know someone loves me enough to bend the rules of the world… just to see me again"
I glanced sharply, almost threateningly, at Jan, but she didn't stop. She smirked, pressing the moment with her usual playful energy.
The monk stayed silent for a moment, then spoke with calm authority "You did not choose to come back. Nor can you choose when to return. When the time comes, the spirit will reunite with the body as it should. You cannot rush it, nor can you resist it. You only need to remain… until that time"
I pouted slightly, laughing softly, a mix of exhaustion and bitter humor "Yeah… lucky me. Called back without choice, can't go back when I want… so I'm basically an automatic ghost"
I lifted my head slightly and bowed again, hearing Jan's quiet laughter beside me. She shifted uncomfortably, feeling stiff from sitting cross-legged.
Jan finally broke the silence, teasing "Let's go already. My butt is killing me."
I rolled my eyes at her antics, then turned back to the monk "If I get the chance, I will come back and pay my respects again"
The monk nodded, his robe fluttering lightly as he walked deeper into the hall, leaving us to descend the wooden steps quietly.
The sound of my leather shoes on gravel mingled with Jan's quick footsteps in front of me. A cool breeze brushed my face, making the temple grounds feel lighter somehow. I glanced back at the temple gate, sensing something had subtly changed within me.
"I may not understand everything yet… but at least today, I know I wasn't brought back by chance"
We then continued walking, searching for the shop Jan wanted to find.
⸻
The streets were quiet, lined with a few scattered shops and homes. The countryside charm was blended with traces of age, giving the place a unique character.
We wandered down a narrow street, uncertain of the exact direction, but filled with hope to reach our destination.
We finally found a small shop tucked in a quiet alley, a faint floral scent drifting out confirming we were in the right place.
Jan whispered, "Yes, this is it"
The shop owner, an elderly European man, had kind eyes and spoke Thai fluently.
"Welcome. Are you looking for any special perfumes or herbs?" he asked, guiding us toward an assortment of fragrant bottles.
I replied politely "Ah… yes. Something I can mix myself"
Jan quickly added, "Some fragrant flowers or essential oils would be great"
The owner nodded, understanding perfectly, and began explaining the oils suitable for blending.
We spent quite some time in the shop, carefully selecting our items.
"All set, let's pay" Jan said cheerfully
"Alright~" I replied with a grin
The elderly man counted our items and gave the total "Thirteen baht, please"
After leaving the shop, I looked at Jan with a playful grin "Shall we head back?"
"Sure," she replied softly, nodding. "We couldn't carry any more anyway"
Today I had really gone all out, buying like someone who just won the lottery.
We started walking through the quiet streets, our voices soft, mingling with distant chatter and the sound of our footsteps on the stone-paved road.
The alley felt a little too long and quiet. I thought I heard a strange sound from a nearby alley, so I whispered to Jan "Did you hear that? Something weird?"
"Wha…" Before Jan could finish, the sound came again, louder this time.
"Help!"