The market seemed to go on forever, a crowded maze of stalls so close together that the paths between them felt cramped with all the people. The air was filled with the smells of fruit, fresh bread, and the unpleasant smell of sweat.

Vendors shouted their prices loudly, trying to attract customers. In the background, a butcher's knife hit a wooden block with a steady thud, while the sound people haggling echoed through the noisy air.

Elise let out an aggravated sigh, stamping her foot. "Ah, damn it! I knew I shouldn't have counted on you two idiots!" She spun on her heels, jabbing at Adrian and Ethan. "I told you to walk faster! Why do you two move like old men? Because of you slowpokes, the market is packed now!"

"The market isn't going anywhere," Ethan replied with a smirk, hands casually resting in his pockets. "You can still shop just fine. Beside, You were the one who wanted to stop by the vegetable field. We were just following orders."

"Yeah, don’t blame us for everything," Adrian chimed in, adjusting the heavy bags of vegetables in his hands. "Besides, if you hadn’t lost that umbrella of yours and wasted time looking for it, we would’ve gotten here much faster."

Elise gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "How could you say that? I already know it’s my fault, but do you really have to rub it in my face? Don't you know when your cute little sister is complaining, you’re supposed to just nod, agree and keep quiet. Just what kind of brothers are you?"

"The realistic kind," Ethan and Adrian replied in unison, each grinning as if they were waiting to say it their whole life.

"Hmph. You’re both too mean! I don’t wanna talk to you anymore!" Elise huffed and stormed off.

Ethan shook his head, watching her weave through the crowd. "Don’t go too far and be careful while shopping. Let us know if you need help."

"What do you care?" Elise’s voice came back from the horde of people before she vanished from sight.

Adrian chuckled, nudging Ethan with his elbow. "You really have your hands full with her, huh?"

"You know how it is," Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple.

"Wait a second.", said Adrian with sudden realization. "Why the hell am I the only one carrying the grocery bag. You are her real older brother. Carry them yourself.", Adrian said as he tried to shove the bags to Ethan.

"Hey, you are the one who said you can carry them by yourself.", retorted Ethan while pushing the bags away.

One moment, they started a small and funny fight. The next, they simply walked, the market’s lively chaos filling the silence between them. Vendors continued to peddle their wares, customers bargained aggressively, and street performers tried to earn a few coins with their tricks and tunes. Adrian finally broke the silence.

"So, did you consider my proposal?" he asked, his tone hopeful.

Ethan, with confusion visible in his face, asked. "What proposal?"

Adrian halted, staring at Ethan as if he had just said that the sky yellow. "What do you mean 'What proposal'?! You actually forgot?!"

Ethan offered a sheepish shrug and a small, apologetic smile. "I’ve had a lot on my mind."

"I just got here yesterday. How the hell am I supposed to remember what you proposed?", questioned Ethan, though only in his mind.

Adrian let out an exaggerated groan, throwing his head back. "You’re hopeless! Forget it. I don’t even have the will to explain anymore."

Ethan opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden, sharp slap on his back made him freeze. He and Adrian turned to see a towering, muscular figure they both recognized.

"Good morning, Mr. Fring," they said in unison.

"Well, well, if it ain't the dynamic duo of City Q," Mr. Fring greeted them with a booming laugh. As a local butcher and a long-time neighbor, he had helped the trio more times than they could count. "I saw the missy earlier—she was pouting so much she looked like a squirrel with a mouthful of nuts. Were you two teasing her again?"

“No, it wasn’t our fault. We were just being honest,” Adrian said quickly, shaking his hand to deny it.

Mr. Fring laughed loudly, shaking the air a bit as he continued, "I get it—a little joke here and there is fun, but remember to keep it under control!”

Before they could respond, a strong, middle-aged voice cut in. “How long are you going to keep lecturing them? They’re way more mature than you old guys!” Mrs. Fring said, half teasing, half scolding.

“Good morning, Mrs. Fring. How are you?” Ethan and Adrian said together.

“I’m good, I’m good,” she responded as she looked them over. "My goodness, you two are getting skinnier as the days pass. Just what are you eating? Is money tight again?”

"We manage," Ethan said with a small smile. "Since Adrian and I don’t have jobs right now, our budget’s a bit tight."

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Fring said, gently cupping her cheeks. "How many times have we told you? You’re like family to us. Don’t worry about money. You can always help yourselves to some meat from our place—you can pay us back later."

Ethan offered a soft, appreciative smile. The warmth of her words washing over him. He couldn’t help but recall how Mrs. Fring had always cared for them, like a second mother—nurturing, protective, and always ready with a kind word or gesture when things got tough.

"It’s alright, Mrs. Fring," Adrian said, his tone steady. "We’re just going through a rough patch right now. It’ll be over soon."

Mrs. Fring's gaze softened, but there was a firmness in her voice when she spoke again. "Well, alright. But make sure you grab some meat for home before you leave, alright? No arguments," she added, her tone gentle but insistent like a mother who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Will do, Ma’am,” they responded in unison, their voices filled with gratitude, before turning toward the road.

As they were walking away, a strange pain spread in Ethan's chest, similar to the pain he felt the night before. He paused for a moment, wondering if something was wrong, but his thoughts were abruptly cut off by a piercing scream that cut through the air.

Elise.

Without a second thought, the two of them exchanged a look of alarm and hurried toward the source of the cry, their hearts pounding with worry for Elise’s safety.