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There is a strange tension lingering in the city. For simple grocery to be so nerve-wracking is... it's not just you, right?
Soon, you had a newly bought backpack full of provisions while the bigger stuff was going to be delivered in later days. Two hours after your mother left, the sky is still blue, and the sun remains strong in its daily journey. <span class="mu-i">Why am I so worried?</span>
You've been moving with the consistency of a scarecrow after leaving the church and never once did Augustine point out your malaise. You walked a few steps behind her, replaying your conversation, your confrontation with the bishop... <span class="mu-i">What am I so afraid of?</span>
The presence of the crowd and its noise isn't so opaque anymore and now you realize you've walked into a quiet spot. The church belltowers are to the west and east, the western one overlooks the entire central plaza but the second one, where you presently are, is next to a quiet road with rows of houses or storerooms, making the few souls here quick to exist as they only use this path for a shortcut.
Augustine has stopped below the tower, her arm that wasn't supporting her basket stretched as far upward as she could make it, even going on her tiptoes to touch something in the impossibly high sky, or perhaps was it the tower itself?
<span class="mu-r">Souls</span>
Watching her back evokes the most confusing of emotions. Augustine feels ephemeral, a mirage that would be broken by carelessly stepping close or a strong wind. No manifestations explained these strange bubbling feelings, Augustine remained still, reaching up <span class="mu-i">failling?</span> almost a ghost ready to disappear. Your heart squeezes, yet you don't understand why. Sadness? Loneliness? Augustine seems wrapped in a cloak of both.
''Augustine?'' When she turns upon hearing your voice, that unexplainable malaise gripping your heart is gone.
''Sorry. Got completely lost in thoughts, I don't remember leading us here at all.'' <span class="mu-i">Huh. Her eyes looked a bit redder.</span> ''Will you go home now, Rey?''
One, two, three, four. Her steps carry her in front of you.
''About that...'' <span class="mu-i">What are you so afraid of, Rey? Just <span class="mu-g">trust</span> her!</span> ''...My mother will be meeting me soon in the marketplace''
''Oh.'' One look of surprise. ''Of course, I thiiink I remember an eatery not too far, you expect her soon?'' No judgment, no laughing, she's the same good lady herbalist you met two hours ago.
''I don't know. You see Augustine, I... my mom went to see if my father could need help...'' And so your bubble of worry unwraps. If things in the monsters camps are truly <span class="mu-i">abusive</span> then your father will react, if he knows a girl is dying of Rot Lung? He'll help. Augustine trip in the enclave might be for nothing.
''I see...'' She listening to you carefully. ''...I'd be delighted of your company for the next few hours then.''
''S-so...yeah, y-you too.'' <span class="mu-i">Ugh!</span>
