Chapter 38

Nelson made his way through the stalls, following the list that Maiari had given him. He picked out plump, ripe tomatoes, leafy greens, and fragrant herbs. He carefully selected the freshest seafood he could find, thinking of the delicious meals he would prepare for Maiari.

As he moved from one vendor to another, he couldn't help but engage in small talk with the friendly market sellers. They were curious about the tall, handsome man who was buying groceries at such an early hour. Nelson answered their questions with a warm smile, sharing a bit about himself and his reunion with Maiari.

With his basket filled to the brim, Nelson made his way to the fruit section. He carefully selected a variety of fruits—sweet mangoes, juicy pineapples, and plump, ruby-red strawberries. Maiari had always loved fruit, and he wanted to make sure she had plenty of options.

With his shopping complete, Nelson headed back to his car, the morning sun now casting a warm golden glow over the market. He couldn'