Martha felt frustrated as she watched her friend run off once again, leaving her alone on the edge of the market. After sulking for a while, she began wandering through the marketplace in search of a place to settle. The merchants started shouting to attract customers.
"Fresh fish! Fresh fish!"
"Beautiful red apples, beautiful red apples!"
"Fashionable clothes at low prices! Fashionable clothes at low prices!"
"Hot Calydon skewers! Fresh off the fire! Hey Martha, how are you this morning? Did Sandrine leave you all alone again?"
"Yes, she's so mean. And she still won't tell me where she goes."
"She hasn't told you once in three months, indeed. That's not very nice, especially since she's been looking after you for quite some time now. Come on, stop making that gloomy face and I'll give you one of my skewers."
"Really? You promised, and you never break a promise!"
"Ha ha ha! Look at you, all cheerful at the thought of one of my skewers. Here you go, be careful, it's still hot."
"Thank you, Uncle Randolph!" Martha said before running off.
"Hey, Randolph, she tricked you again. That's been going on for a month now," said another merchant.
"I know, but I can't help it. I can't resist those puppy-dog eyes, and besides, that kid is a bit like my daughter."
After running for a while, Martha finally reached her spot, near a clothing shop, a jewelry store, and a few other merchant stalls. Spotting another beggar across the street, she headed toward him. As she drew closer, she recognized his face.
"Victor, what are you doing here? You should know this is my territory."
"Yes, I know. Could you let me stay here today?"
"You know the rule, Victor: half your earnings for encroaching on someone else's territory."
"I know, and I'm ready to pay."
"Is your situation really that bad?"
"Yes. I offended someone on my turf. I'll stay here until he calms down, if you don't mind."
"I don't mind as long as you pay me."
"Thanks. I owe you one."
A few hours later.
Martha stood up to go get something to eat.
"Martha, where are you going?" Victor called out.
"To buy an apple. Why?"
"Oh, can I come with you? I'm afraid the guys I offended might jump me."
"You're taller and stronger than I am, Victor, and you need my help to protect you? I didn't think you were such a coward."
"So can I follow you?"
"Sorry, but you'll have to manage on your own. I don't want your problems to come back and bite me," Martha said, heading toward the market.
"Martha… please, let me come with you. They'll kill me."
Martha disappeared into the narrow alleys leading to the stall she was looking for, without a backward glance.
Victor, meanwhile, began to panic, unsure of what he should do.