On the days that followed they went to villages where Laina plan to sell the hearts. Stine had her write down the people that she thinks needs the hearts, only to find out that she doesn’t know how to read or write.

“I’m sorry. I guess I’ll have you describe them to me.”

Laina went on and bluntly describes the townspeople that she perceives that needed the heart. One such person she describes as a buff, tanned and have really large hands. They went to Dalia where she said he lives.

After arriving at Dalia, Stine immediately tries to find the man to where Laina said to him that they will meet him shortly in the day. Instead they had lunch at a nearby tavern, it was a few hours past noon when they got there. As soon as lunch was finish, Laina wanted to go to the edge of town.

At this point, Stine was already used to Laina going to edges of the town to sight see and such places are always a sight to behold.

The praire of Dalia is covered with golden white fields. The wheat field makes stretch very far; beside it are crops that grows alongside it. The edge of the town has an abundant number of trees to relax in. Sycamore trees covers the area and left preserve to provide shade to any who would want to feel the breeze.

Stine took a deep breath while basking in the beauty of the place and looks at Laina.

“This place is really beautiful, but shouldn’t we look for the buff, tanned man with really large hands?” Stine asks.

“He usually comes here around this time.” Laina replies without looking back.

Stine takes a look around the vibrant trees to see anyone who resembles Laina’s description. They were not alone in the place, it’s also not surprising to see anyone there during this time. It is not crowded but hardly anyone would waste their time going to such a beautiful place only to pay attention to the people around them. Most of them would lay on the grass and others would climb the branches of the trees and take a rest there.

“There he is.” Laina said softly while pointing to man at a distance.

There it was, a man that perfectly matches Laina’s description. A man wearing an ashen colored tunic and pants with a belt. The countenance of the said main impresses Dr. Stine thinking that the man is a famous mercenary with such a body.

Before he knew it, Laina was already walking towards the man. Stine caught up to her in a moment. The man notices the two and gave them a big smile.

“Enjoying this day’s breeze?” the man asks wearing his big smile.

Laina smiles and nod at the question then she asks.

“Would you like to buy some hearts?”

“Thank you, lassie, but no.” the man replies followed by another big smile.

Stine who is still getting used to the situation tries to take some action to have the man re consider about buying a heart or even just stay for a conversation.

The man looks confuse but was amuse of the Stine’s attempt. He gives a sigh as he scratched his head.

“I have some time to spare for today, so let’s just talk for a bit.”

They engage in some casual conversation where the man asks and Stine just answers them. Laina was off to her own world again. The man then learns that Stine is a doctor, which he asks him to give him a quick check up.

“My things are at my carriage at the town square, I’ll have to get it there.”

“Why are you sad mister?” Laina asks abruptly.

Laina’s question surprises the man as well as Stine. Stine tries to change the subject but then he saw the man’s face tear up a bit. Laina looks at the man with her innocent face not knowing what she just did. She repeated her question again thinking that the man didn’t hear it. Stine was still dumbfounded and he doesn’t know what to do. The man brushes the tear that filled his eyes and looks at Laina.

“I will tell you, but will you hear my story lassie?” He asks wearing his big smile.

They went back to the town and they went inside the townhall then another room in which the man explains as his office.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you are the mayor.” Stine said while he scratches his head in embarrassment.

“It’s fine, I’m used to it by now.” He replied.

He had them sit down after offering them some cold drinks. He then turns to Laina. He then told them his story. Apparently, he became the mayor not too long ago, the old mayor passed away and the seat was left vacant, he was then nominated.

“As much as I want to, I constantly feel that I can’t. I miss the field; I was but a humble farmer trying to help the community.” He clenches his fist as tears began to fall down his eyes.

He goes on about how he feels inadequate because the former mayor is an astounding man, telling Stine and Laina about the previous mayor’s feats. He wanted to let up and step down, but the people looks up to him and couldn’t let them down.

Laina walks up to the crying man and gave him a hug like he did with Stine. She then puts her palm around the man’s hands and looks at his eyes.

“I think you’re doing great.” She smiles

The man sat silently as Laina pats his back and tells him what she thinks why he’s doing great. Simple things like talking to them and always wearing a big smile and how he gave them something to drink.

The man let out a small chuckle about Laina’s compliments. After a few more exchanges he asks about the heart. As did Stine, the man was surprised when he found out that heart cost nothing more but a smile. The man smiles as Laina handed her a heart from the basket.

“She’s a good kid.” The man said to Stine as they were about to leave.

Laina had already left the building and walks towards the carriage but was distracted by the pigeon by the fountain.

Stine nod and smiles at the mayor in agreement to what he just said.

“I’m sorry for the dragging the both of you here. I don’t think I need the check-up now. Turns out I just needed someone to listen to me. Thank you.” The mayor said wearing his big smile.

Stine tips his hat then left. He walks towards Laina who is innocently looking at the pigeon eating breadcrumbs. He calls out to her and then they went home.

The day ended after dinner, Laina already went to sleep. But Stine couldn’t feel like sleeping at all. His mind is filled with thoughts that had happened earlier. Not because it’s the first time someone bought a heart from them but because of his conversation with the mayor or Dalia.

Unable to fall asleep he walks towards the veranda and basks in the cool breeze as he looks towards the village. He was filled with joy about his experience and being the one in the giving end.