Hannah wiped her nose again, and glanced down at the paper. She was making a list of the supplies they needed for the next month. Lalassa had asked her to order double amounts of the standard things like thread and beads because of midwinter coming up. She marked the paper. Walking into the back supply room, she caught a chill. Quickly she took inventory and hurried back into the shop. Lalassa was at the counter.
Here's the list of things we need. She said.
replied Lalassa, It really is amazing how quickly you catch on to things Hannah. It would have taken me weeks to learn how to do all this, and you've only been here three days! Hannah blushed.
I just do what I'm told she said.
Well, whatever you do, don't stop! chuckled the older woman. Now. I received a few advanced orders, so you can add these things to the list, and then just clean up the shop, and you can go home, okay?
Hannah took the list from Lalassa and began copying it. She heard a chuckle and looked up. What's so funny? she asked.
Oh, nothing really. It's just, there's this boy who keeps walking by the window. He must have passed the door twenty times over! I hope he's not lost. She shook her head. Hannah looked out the window expectantly, but the only people she saw were an old man and women arguing about a chicken, and a young mother of four trying to make it home by dinner. She sighed. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he wasn't interested.

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Gideon looked at the sign again, and then back to the paper. This is the right place' he thought to himself. He glanced in the window, but all he saw was a short woman going through some papers at the counter inside. Maybe it was a confusion,' Gideon thought. Maybe the old man was supposed to give it to someone else'. Another voice said You'd know if you went inside, stupid. You've been walking up and down this street for at least a half hour. Just go in! Everyone else is right, you'll never change. You're too chicken. Just go inside already! If it isn't the right place, you can always say you want to order a dress for your mom! Go in already! Just go in-'
I can't ! Gideon yelled aloud. An old man and woman nearby cast a questioning glance in his direction. He ran his fingers through his dark hair as he glanced up and down the street. He took a deep breath and said He turned around. He walked towards the door and it exploded. He found found himself face to face with a hurtling mass of chestnut hair tied with a red scarf.
said the girl. She dodged around him and muttered I can't believe I forgot! Gideon turned and watched the girl barrel down the street. Then reality hit him like a pile of bricks. He almost cried with frustration. That was her.' the voice in his head mocked. She was standing right there and you didn't even know, let alone say anything. You're doomed buddy. Doomed to an eternally lonesome existence, you-'
Come off it! He yelled. Gideon tensed and closed his fist, then looked in the direction the girl had gone. She was nowhere in sight now. Bells chimed in the distance, signaling the call for afternoon prayers. Time for Gideon to get to work.