Gai woke as the sun crested the horizon, its golden rays piercing the thin veil of dawn mist that hung over the village. His body, now attuned to rising with the dawn, felt the familiar pull of morning. He dressed quickly and made his way towards the rough wooden bench where he usually prepared the morning rations for himself and his father. Instead, he found a note weighed down by a small handful of copper coins.

"Go buy something from the market. –Dad"

Lionel had already left for the day, it seemed. Gai threw on his battered old coat, now a tad too tight for his more muscular frame, and stepped into the crisp morning air. The chill bit at his cheeks, invigorating him as he headed for the village square. The cobblestone streets were still damp from the early morning dew, and a faint fog lingered in the low-lying areas.

As Gai arrived at the square, the market stalls were just beginning to open. Vendors were setting up their wares, the air filled with the sounds of clinking metal, murmured conversations, and the occasional bray of a donkey. The rich aroma of fresh bread caught his attention, drawing him towards the bakery stall. He barely registered his surroundings, entranced by the smell that promised warmth and comfort.

Gai found himself standing before Errol, the baker's son, who looked up with a nervous expression. This was the first time Gai had seen Errol since the beating, and the memory of it hung heavy between them.

"Hi, Errol," Gai greeted.

Errol looked down, ashamed. "Do you want to buy something, Gai?" he muttered.

"Yes, can I have a fresh loaf, please?" Gai spoke with confidence, shaking Errol from his stupor. Errol handed Gai a fresh loaf and took a copper piece in exchange.

"You seem different, Gai. Are you okay?" Errol asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Before Gai could answer, a woman poked her head out from behind the stall. She was short, with blonde curly hair, covered in flour from fingers to elbows, some of it dusting her face. She gave Errol a scowl as he looked down in shame again.

"Errol, is this the Gai you and your friends have been bullying?" she asked, her tone stern. She approached Gai, giving him a once-over. "Don’t know how you boys managed to pick on him; he looks nice and strong." She winked, sending Gai into a blush.

The woman chuckled and took the bread from Gai's hands, smeared the insides with butter, and handed it back to him. "There you go, lad. You have a good day, okay?" Another wink sent Gai scurrying away, more red-faced than before.

The village square was now coming alive with the hustle and bustle of morning activity. Gai weaved through the growing crowd, the fresh loaf tucked under his arm, feeling a strange mixture of embarrassment and exhilaration.