Morning in the city
smelled like good and a fun day.
Vaen ran across the narrow streets with a loaf of bread in his mouth and a plastic bag in his hand. His jacket was too big, his hair messy, and his steps are clumsy but he have the biggest smile on his face.
"I'm not late, I'm not late, I'm just… delayed!"
He jumped over a puddle.
Missed.
Water splashed all over his pants.
"Okay… maybe just a little late."
People turned their heads as he ran by.
"Watch where you're going!" one shouted.
"Clumsy brat," another said.
Vaen only laughed and waved back.
"Sorry! I'll trip more carefully next time!"
By the time he reached the old bakery near the docks, he was out of breath. Behind the counter stood an old woman.
"You're late again, boy," she said.
"I know, ma'am! But I brought your medicine!"
He raised the plastic bag with a smile.
"For your knees, remember?"
The woman blinked.
"You'll trip yourself into the grave one day kid."
"Then I'll make it look cool," Vaen said.
She tried not to laugh, but she did.
The day went on. Vaen cleaned tables, delivered bread, and greeted customers. He almost dropped a tray twice but just laughed it off every time.
When the sun started to set, the woman sighed.
"That's enough for today. Go home, you've worked enough."
"You sure? I can help lock up," Vaen said, holding a broom.
"You really want more work?" she asked, raising a brow.
"Not really," he chuckled. "But I don't mind helping."
She shook her head.
"You're too nice for your own good. Come, eat dinner with me. You look half-starved."
Vaen rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"Ah, I'd love to, but… I don't want to bother you."
The woman sighed again, then handed him a small paper bag.
"Then at least take this. For dinner."
Vaen smiled.
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Now go, before I change my mind."
He waved as he left, the paper bag swinging in his hand.
The city starts quieting. And the sea starts sounding load, and streetlamps started to light.
Vaen walked home and across the bridge, he tear a piece of bread from the bag.
He leaned against the railing, staring at the wide sea below. The sky was turning orange, then red, then slowly fading into purple.
"Dinner with a view," he muttered, smiling.
Then a flash of light made him squint.
Two streaks of energy clashed in the sky vessels fighting. One wielded a spear that sparked with lightning, the other swung a blade of flame. Their blows echoed like thunder, shaking the air itself.
Vaen's eyes lit up.
"Whoa… real vessels. They're actually fighting here."
The wind carried dust and rumbling, but he didn't care. He sat on the railing, chewing his bread with excitement.
"Come on! Hit him back!" he said with a laugh.
A fisherman nearby looked up and shook his head, muttering something about bad omens.
But Vaen just watched with a smile.
He rested his chin on his hand.
"If I ever became a vessel…" he whispered. "I'd protect people with no fame, no rank. Just… help when it matters."
He laughed to himself.
"What am I even saying… like that'll ever happen."
He took another bite of bread and kept watching as the fight moved farther away.
The sky darkened, the waves became calm,
For a moment, everything was peaceful again.
Vaen didn't notice the falling streak of light a small and fast heading straight for the sea below the bridge.