《Heartless》8: Trinket

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They went to the trinket shop and Laina was amazed of everything that she saw there. They could only see past paned windows and could not fully grasp the inside.

They weren’t able to sell any hearts and the day went by quickly. They rode the carriage home. Stine notices something different about Laina. She does her usually thing of looking at a distance and having her mind wanders but Stine notices that her empty eyes has now a feeling of longing for something.

“Laina…” she whispers to herself.

“Is something wrong?” Stine asks.

“It’s nothing. I’m sorry.”

Even though Laina brushes off Stine’s concern, he was able to notice that something is wrong. But he didn’t want to bother her that much, thinking that she will eventually tell him about it.

Aside from what they did the entire day the night became uneventful. Margaret prepares their dinner as Edmund took care of the horses. Laina became more active in conversation but when the time comes that she is off to her own world again, Stine couldn’t help but worry for her.

With the same goal they had in mind yesterday, they went back to Edo to meet with Fergus. Stine had Margaret help Cynthia again since they will be gone for the entire day. Edmund had already prepared the carriage and is waiting to take them.

Upon arriving at Edo, they notice Fergus come out of the tavern. They call out to him but his face makes it known to them that he doesn’t remember them. Then as if he remembers something, took out a piece of paper that was written by Stine yesterday to meet them at the tavern. They sat inside and Stine orders some meals.

“So, you’re the one responsible for yesterday. I’m sorry but I can’t pay you back.”

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“No, it’s fine we just want a moment of your time.” Stine replies

Stine invited Fergus to eat with them and engage in some light conversation to get to know each other better.

“So how can I help you?”

Stine looks at Laina who looks as if waiting for the opportune time to ask Fergus. Laina notices Stine stare and give out a smile.

“Would you like to buy a heart?”

Despite Laina carrying a basket, and having that basket place right next to her. Fergus didn’t seem to notice it until Laina mentions it.

“May I see it?” Fergus asks while stretching his remaining arm towards the basket.

Laina handed him a heart and Fergus look at it meticulously.

“Extraordinary…” Fergus uttered underneath his breath.

Stine was surprised of Fergus reaction. It was the first time someone was interested in the hearts upon first glance.

Fergus invited them to his shop, the trinket store. He wipes the table that was filled with dust making Stine covers his mouth and Laina coughing. The table is filled with tools that a craftsman would use.

Inside the store as Fergus tinker with the heart, Laina wanders from aisle to aisle being fascinated by every little ornament displayed. Stine let her be and walks towards Fergus observing what he is doing.

“This… where did you get this?” Fergus inquired.

“Uhm…” Stine scratches his head then looks around for Laina.

She was holding a miniature well inside a snow globe. Staring at it as if she’s on to her own world again. Stine walks up to her after calling her a few times but she’s not responding. When Laina came to herself she saw Stine’s worrisome look and repeatedly asking her if she’s alright.

“I’m sorry, I’m fine.”

Stine looks at her and became more worried than he was before.

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“Lassie, where did you get this?” Fergus asks without looking whose eyes are fixed on the heart.

“I – Uh, I don’t know…” She replies with trembling voice.

When Fergus finally looks up, he saw Laina clutching the snow globe.

“I forgot; how much is this?”

“Just a genuine smile.” Laina replies with a smile but she seems to be holding something back.

“Okay then.” Fergus smiles back at her.

As they were about to take their leave, Laina placed the snow globe on a shelf right next to door.

“Take that thing with you, as a gift from me to you.”

Stine was still worried about Laina and became uneasy with each passing moment. He took his coat and hat from the rack and they left Fergus who is still fascinated by the heart.

“I’m sorry for asking again…Are you sure you’re alright?” Stine fumbles through his words.

When he turns to look at Laina she has fallen to the ground unconscious.

“Laina!” Stine shouted.

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