One evening in one of the towns named Haselburg of Sicilian Empire, Anneliese watched the wind blowing away the dry leaves and making the leaves on branches swiftly move in its direction. She felt the cold breeze touching her softly, making her shiver lightly. When she looked up at the sky she noticed the dark clouds and realized its going to rain soon. Coming downstairs, she went to the backyard to pick up the dried clothes, she looked up & felt a drop of rain on her cheek and started to move her hands briskly. She heard her mother Althea's voice, "Ann it's going to rain heavily, come inside dear" Ann replied to her mother, "Yes mamma, coming".
She stepped inside from the backdoor, putting down the clothes on the table, Ann started folding them one by one.
Adlina, Ann's elder sister came to the room and asked her, " Ann did papa tell you when will he be back home today" while helping Ann fold the cloths.
Ann looked up at Adlina and said, "Papa said he'll be back before dinner but depending on the harsh weather I think he may stay at uncle James house tonight."
"Dinner is ready! Let us wait for sometime for your father, he may already be on his way to home!" came their mother's voice from the kitchen.
After waiting for an hour, Adlina looked at the clock and said, "Maybe papa decided to stay at uncle's house tonight because of the heavy rain". Althea acknowledge with, "Hmm" and decided to serve dinner.
While having dinner, Ann and Adlina told their mother about the new antique shop which has opened this week in the Bazaar.
Ann asked her mother, "When we visited the shop, Mr. Herondale said he needs a helper to manage the shop with him and asked if I am interested in the job". I told him, "I'll let him know by the end of this week. What do you say mamma, Should I take the job?"
Althea replied to Ann, "Yes, of course if that is what you wish for!" knowing her daughter's keen interest in antiques.
Hearing her mother's reply, A wide smile spread on Ann's face reflecting her eagerness to work. After having dinner, Ann and Adlina helped their mother with the daily chores.
Feeling tired, Althea went to lock the front door while asking Ann and Adlina to lock the back and terrace door.
Adlina said, "I'm going to lock the backdoor" to which Ann replied, "Then I'm going to lock the terrace door".
Wishing their mother good night, Ann and Adlina headed to their room, Adlina jumped on the bed while Ann locked the door.
Ann heard her sister say, "You know Ann, I'm really excited about you going to work at Mr. Herondale's shop as now I can go there everyday to give your lunch and can meet Matthew daily so he can fall in love with me quickly". Ann smiled knowing about her sister's affection towards Mr. Herondale's son, Matthew. Putting aside her excitement, Adlina decided to sleep while Ann decided to read and went to the wooden table near the window.
After reading for about two hours, Ann looked at the clock and realized it's past bedtime. Closing the book she placed it on the table. Reaching the bed, she blew the candles near the bed and went to sleep unaware of the storm waiting for her next day!!