The market buzzed with activity under the scorching sun as Jared sat cross-legged on a faded red rug, his vibrant paintings propped on easels around him. The vibrant colors and repurposed materials of his artwork caught the eye of a man in a crisp white alb, who approached Jared with an umbrella shading his face.
"Did you make these yourself? These painting are beautiful."
Jared's cheeks warmed. "Yes, every bit is repurposed material I've collected."
"What's your name?"
"Jared. I can sell them to you for one thousand dollars apiece."
"I'll buy these two painting, my name is Pat." Pat grabbed two paintings off the easels.
Jared's eyes glowed with excitement - this would help pay off his debts. Pat dug into the duffel bag slung over his white alb and pulled out his wallet, but his face fell.
"I'm short one hundred dollars. I'd forgotten I had breakfast at the restaurant this morning," Pat explained. "But I do have Technation money on me. Will you accept that?"
Jared furrowed his brow. "Technate? Where the hell is that?"
"It's a ten-hour flight away. I'm only in the country for a month, doing some missionary work. I have to get back to the orphanage to help the nuns prepare for a child's birthday. Will you take my Technation currency?" Pat pleaded.
Jared hesitated, knowing the nearest currency exchange was a long walk away. But the man's earnest expression and explanation tugged at his heart. "Alright, I'll accept it. I'll go to the bank myself to exchange it," Jared conceded.
Pat smiled gratefully and handed over the money. "Thank you, Jared. This means so much."
As Pat hurried away, Jared sighed and began packing up his stand, resigning himself to the long trek to the currency exchange.