Shady

Rana relaxed slightly. “…That’s good.” She nodded. “…What else is there? Anything I should… be aware of?”

“…My father… tends to find ways to make things happen, whether I want it or not. And has… made threats towards getting me forcibly enlisted. I’m definitely not going to ...

She was quiet for another moment. “… Do I have to join the military?” She was scared to know the answer. And yet it was the first and loudest question ...

She was quiet for a moment. She hadn’t really considered that. She was just bored. “Um… future?”

Rana eagerly followed him and plopped down. This was exciting! Not boring at all. What a relief.

“Oh?” She looked at him curiously. “How’s that?”

“Hello!” She smiled and shook his hand firmly. “I was told I could find a fortune teller here— does that happen to be you?”

Rana swung the door open and peered inside.

She made sure not to make eye contact with anyone, though she looked and listened curiously to everything that was happening. At least, she tried to. She got to the ...

“Good to know. Thank you.” Rana dipped her head and offered a little smile, then turned and started off.

“Thank you.” Rana nodded, committing it to memory, and offered er a small coin as payment.

“That’s not too bad,” Rana said with a nod. “Where can I find them?”

“… any of that sounds good.” She thought for a moment. “How much does the fortune telling cost?”

“Um… anything you’d recommend locally? I want to stretch my legs.”

Rana decided she’d had enough of being cooped up and got some coins from her purse then started for the door. “Rana?” Lia called. “Where are you going?” “Don’t worry ...