The business man thought about the cloak he held in his hands. It was one he made with his own hands and it took him a minute to digest that the woman he once imagined wearing it could no longer do so. He was struck and taken aback seeing the fabric when he thought he had thrown it away long ago.
Sophia stood quietly watching by him with a torn expression on his face like he was far away in a distant memory which brought her some sadness. But she also new better than to ask him any questions about his own business.
Huffing, he shook his head wanting to forget those thoughts that seem to only bring destruction to his soul since the death of his beloved only brought him pain. He had turned to his business and focused on money, although he took no joy in it. Life was almost meaningless to him these days since he was alone.
Turning around, he saw the girl peering into his cart with curious eyes. However, she looked about ready to sprint if needed almost like she didn't trust him. She seemed very private and he felt sympathy knowing she wouldn't have much of a life since it would end soon.
The man sighed knowing his reputation in town hadn't helped many in approaching him for help, but he did always feel bad for the Red family and all the times they struggled. Now that he had money and could help the poor, it seemed too late.
Sophia didn't see him watching her as she continued to study all the items in his cart avoiding his eyes when she noticed him stand up walking toward her.
He had clothing and materials spread around in the tiny area, but she saw a painting of a woman with red hair and blue eyes caught her attention immediately.
"Did you know her?" Sophia asked looking toward him.
He caught her gaze and was silent for a moment before answering her question.
"I did." He finally said with a smile as though the picture brought some sort of healing to his wounded soul. "She was something special."
Sophia looked at the picture more intently and realized the red hair beauty was far too pretty to end up with the man at the cart. And as though he read her mind, the man chuckled again.
"I didn't deserve her. But sometimes a personality is all a woman is looking for!" He announced with too much confidence.
Smiling at her, the older man walked toward her making his way out closing the door behind him. He didn't enjoy speaking about the past and decided to focus on his goal with entering his cart. Right now he had decided to give something to the chosen and he intended on doing just that!
"I know it's not a dress, but it has been colder this year. This should keep you warm while in the forest when it's your time."
He handed to hood to the dark haired woman who hesitated before taking hold of the item. It wasn't that she wasn't thankful for gifts, but she knew this was an expensive piece of work he would lose coins over.
"Don't worry over the money. I have had a successful year. Woman will always be an increasing market. They desire things to make them beautiful even when there isn't much point." He said as though he read her mind.
"I really don't need this sir. I have a brown hood that works just fine!" Sophia said looking up at him. Although she secretly loved the beautiful garment, she was taken care of.
Chuckling and looking away from the child, the man thought over her words. "I'm afraid there is no one I'd rather give it to. You remind me of the only person I would love to have spoiled. Please let me give this to you as appreciation for your sacrifice."
Even though Sophia was use to arguing, she felt a form of happiness creep within her body. This was the nicest piece of clothing she had ever seen, let alone, owned!
she would usually give such things back, she was too tempted to keep it making her freeze in thought.
She wanted it. And it was a new feeling within her.
"Giving free clothing away is not good for business Luke. You should know better." Came a reprimanding voice from behind the two of them.
Recognizing the voice, Sophia turned to see the blind woman looking seemingly at nothing, but she smiled nonetheless.
"Nothing to concern over Clarice." Luke gruffed. It always surprised him how the elderly woman appeared out of no where, but he did always enjoy her company. Over the years, even though she was a bit crazy, she had worked his way into his life.
"On the contrary." Clarice said clicking her tongue.
Putting her hand out with her palm up, Sophia realized she was wanting to hold the new red cloak.
Hesitating for a moment, Sophia came to know a new emotion she never thought she'd experience. It was something she saw other children experience, but not something she did due to her poverty.
Greed.
It wasn't necessarily a sin to want to have things and it could be healthy to a point, but Sophia feared that this little emotion was too strong over something as simple as clothing.
Immediately, she placed the hood in the frail hands of Clarice who brought the silk up to her nose sniffing it.
"Have you tried it on?" Clarice asked still inspecting the material with her nose and hands.
"I just barely handed it to her! She obviously wasn't able to since some old hag came along." Luke mocked before Sophia could even speak.
Clarice wasn't offended but actually preferred Luke's company in the village. He often said things that came across rude, but deep down, the man had a big heart matching his big belly.
"Hmmm." Clarice started to move the hood to her backside putting her arms in the sleeves making Luke scrunch his brows confused at her actions.
"What the hell?! That was a gift to the chosen! Not you!" He said with some annoyance at her.
"Calm down. It is still hers, but not until the night of the full moon." She mumbled. "Besides, I want to see if it fits!"
Clarice waved away the remark Luke sent her way as she walk somewhat toward the girl.
"Sophia, I promise to give this to you on that night, but it must stay with me until then."
Sophia didn't respond, but nodded since Clarice had always seemed to surprise her.
It was a silly since Clarice could not see her movements, but no words needed to be spoken. Clarice felt the trust Sophia had for her.
Smiling and turning around, Clarice waved her cane in the air saying her goodbye to the two by the cart.
"Sneaky old woman." Luke mumbled. "She better give that to you when it's the full moon!"
Sophia laughed and looked at Luke. "I'm sure she will. I really appreciate the gift sir. Thank you."
She began to walk away when she turned looking at the chubby man for a moment longer.
"I know it's not a celebration, but I'd like to see you there when I leave. I don't have a lot of people who I'm fond of here in the village. I'd appreciate a friend."
Luke didn't reply but gave the girl a nod turning back entering his cart once again.
Sophia also went her way looking for Ruby who seemed lost in the crowd. It seemed her mother's anxiety was beginning to rise only having Sophia sigh. She knew it was time to once again help her mother.