Morning broke gently over the village, the sunlight slipping through the thin curtains like warm golden ribbons. The soft glow danced across the wooden floorboards, making the whole house feel warm and alive. Birds chirped outside, hopping along the stone pathways as the early breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees.
In the kitchen, Amara moved quietly but with steady purpose. She wasn't cooking—the maid was already at the stove preparing rice and fried meat—but she was arranging the plates, adjusting the wooden cups, and placing neatly folded cloth napkins beside each seat. She liked mornings to feel orderly. She believed a peaceful start made the whole day smoother.
Amara's long hair was tied loosely behind her, a few strands brushing her cheek as she leaned over the table. The wooden bowls clinked softly under her fingers. The smell of warm rice, eggs, and freshly boiled tea filled the air, comforting and familiar.
At the table, Kaito sat with one elbow resting casually on the chair, watching her with a gentle, admiring smile. His dark hair was slightly messy from sleep, but his warm gaze never left his wife.
"Are you sure you're going to the caravan market with your mother today?" Amara asked, lifting her head. Her voice was soft and calm, but her eyes carried a small hint of worry.
Kaito nodded slowly. "Yes. I told the maid to cook breakfast earlier so we can prepare before we leave." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled reassuringly.
Amara set down another plate and exhaled, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "Just be careful, alright? The caravan market gets crowded… and you know how unpredictable people can be."
Kaito leaned forward, resting both hands on the table. "I know. I'll keep an eye on everything—and I'll remind my mother to stay alert, too."
Before Amara could respond, a soft creaking sound echoed from the main door. It swung open slowly, and Liana—Kaito's mother—stepped inside with graceful steps. Morning light framed her figure from behind, making her look gentle but strong.
"Good morning, everyone," she said warmly, brushing a bit of dust off her shawl.
Kaito quickly stood up and approached her, wrapping her in a gentle hug. "Good morning, Mother. Did you sleep well?"
Liana smiled, her eyes bright as she touched her son's cheek affectionately. "I slept fine, dear. The sound of the morning rain always calms me." She glanced at the table. "The kitchen smells lovely."
Her gaze drifted across the room, searching. "Where's Larz?"
"Still upstairs," Kaito replied proudly. "Larz woke up early—he's been talking nonstop about the caravan market."
Liana let out a soft laugh. "That boy truly has his Grandfather's spirit. Always excited to explore."
Amara straightened and wiped her hands on her apron. "Well, before we eat, we should call everyone down. Breakfast will get cold."
"Right," Kaito said. "I'll go get him."
Kaito stepped toward the wooden staircase that led to the Larz's room. He cupped his hands around his mouth, but still kept his voice gentle.
"Larz! Come downstairs! Breakfast is ready!"
The house responded with silence at first. Then—soft pattering footsteps. Then louder ones.
A moment later, Larz appeared at the bottom of the stairs, gripping the railing as he hopped down each step. His hair stuck up in small patches, and his cheeks were puffed slightly from just waking up.
"Granma! Father! Is it time? Are we going soon?" he exclaimed, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Eat first, silly," Kaito said with a laugh. "You can't explore the caravan on an empty stomach." Larz grinned, then rushed over to the chair beside his father.
That's sweet and harsh at the same time, am I really that old? Liana's thought. "Morning, Larzzzzzzz." She said with joker face while Larz being confuse on why does he have to be called that long.
Behind him, maid walked back into the kitchen—this time with baby Vaughn carefully bundled in her arms. Vaughn blinked sleepily, his round eyes slowly adjusting to the morning light. He let out a tiny yawn, his hand opening and closing against Amara's shoulder.
Kaito smiled at his youngest. "Good morning, little ones... twos?"
Vaughn responded by blinking twice… then falling asleep again.
Once everyone was settled, they all gathered around the dining table. The maid placed the meal in the center—steaming rice, sunny-side eggs, fried meat strips, and a teapot filled with warm herbal drink.
They ate together as the warm morning breeze drifted through the open windows. The distant sound of villagers waking, roosters crowing, and carts rolling on stone paths created a gentle background hum.
After breakfast, the family moved toward the main door. Kaito adjusted the sling where twin was secured. Amara checked the small pouch of coins tied at her waist. Liana carefully draped her light shawl over her shoulders, ready for the walk.
Larz bounced excitedly near the doorway, almost vibrating with energy.
"Hurry! The caravan will disappear if we're late!"
"It's not going anywhere," Kaito said. "But alright, let's go."
When they stepped outside, a warm current of sunlight washed over them. The dirt path in front of their home glowed softly under the bright morning sky. Villagers were already busy—hanging washed clothes, carrying baskets, leading goats or chickens through narrow paths.
The air smelled of fresh bread from the bakery and spices from the early cooks preparing their food for the day.
Larz ran ahead, his small feet kicking up tiny puffs of dust as he laughed.
Amara and Kaito walked together, their fingers interlaced.
Liana followed closely beside them, her sharp eyes observing everything—the houses, the villagers, the passing carts—as though she were memorizing every detail.
As they neared the caravan grounds, the noise grew louder. Bells jingled. Vendors shouted prices. Horses snorted as they pulled decorated wagons. Bright cloth banners fluttered above the tents, creating a sea of colors—reds, yellows, deep blues.
The scent of roasting meat, incense smoke, and sweet pastries blended in the air.
The caravan market stretched before them—lively, colorful, and full of possibilities.
The caravan market stretched across the open field like a temporary city—rows of colorful tents, wooden carts arranged in long lines, and banners waving gently in the breeze. The air carried a dense mix of scents: roasted meat, ground spices, burning incense, and freshly cut wood. Voices overlapped—vendors calling out prices, customers bargaining, children chattering—all combining into a steady, lively hum.
Kaito and Amara walked at a calm pace beside Liana, keeping Larz between them to avoid losing him in the crowd. Vendors displayed their goods on wooden tables, cloth-covered rugs, or even directly from the backs of their wagons. The path beneath them was packed dirt with big stones, flattened by the steady traffic of villagers and travelers.
Larz's head turned constantly as he tried to look at everything at once.
"Father," he said suddenly, tugging at Kaito's hand and pointing. "There's a wooden horse."
Kaito followed the direction of his finger. On a low table stood a set of carved wooden animals—horses, oxen, goats—each shaped with smooth precision and stained with warm brown tones. He crouched beside his son to examine it more closely.
"This one is well-made," Kaito commented, turning the small figure in his hand to inspect the craftsmanship along the legs and mane. "If you want it, we can take it."
"2 silver kind sir." Vendor said while Kaito looking on Larz testing him. Then Larz nodded once—quick, determined. Kaito straightened and paid the vendor, who wrapped the toy in a small piece of cloth before handing it to Larz. The boy held the bundle tightly as they moved on.
Amara glanced to her left and slowed her steps. A long strip of silk fabric hung from another vendor's wooden frame, fluttering slightly each time the wind passed. Several more fabrics were folded neatly on the table, each with detailed patterns—mountain shapes, flower motifs, water waves.
"Kaito," Amara said, gesturing subtly, "these silks are remarkable. The colors are vibrant."
Kaito stepped closer, brushing his hand across one of the folded pieces. The textile was smooth beneath his fingers, thin yet durable. He inspected the weave closely, nodding in approval.
"They are of good quality," he agreed. "If you want one for tailoring, choose whichever you prefer."
Amara examined several pieces, comparing the thickness, the stitching, and the shades of dye. While she did, Liana drifted a few steps away to a neighboring stall where metal jewelry glimmered under the sunlight.
"Look at these," she called, her tone composed but clearly interested.
Kaito and Amara joined her. The vendor had arranged the items on polished wooden trays—bracelets shaped from hammered bronze, earrings set with small stones, and thin necklaces made of intertwined silver threads. Liana lifted a pair of earrings, examining the detailing along the edges.
"These are finely crafted," she noted.
Kaito nodded in agreement. Amara asked the vendor several questions about the metal quality and the origin of the stones. They observed each piece with thoughtful interest, assessing what was worth purchasing and what was merely decorative.
Nearby, Larz had found a stall selling wooden puzzles, spinning toys, and small board games. He stood quietly in front of a brightly painted puzzle made of interlocking diamond-shaped blocks. The vendor demonstrated how the pieces slid together to form a star pattern. Larz watched closely, his expression serious and concentrated.
The family regrouped a few minutes later, continuing their walk through the market. They passed stalls selling pottery etched with geometric designs, woven baskets of varying sizes, jars of preserved fruits, and bundles of dried herbs hanging from wooden beams.
Their pace remained unhurried as Kaito and Amara discussed which items were practical and worth purchasing. Liana occasionally offered observations—pointing out durable materials or fair prices— but always in her calm, steady manner.
Eventually, they decided to stop for food. A vendor under a wide canopy served rice wrapped in leaves, grilled meat skewers, and bowls of spiced soup. The family sat at one of the wooden benches nearby, their backs warmed by the sun.
Kaito took a sip of the broth and set the bowl down.
"Coming here was a good decision," he said, speaking quietly but with certainty. "The market has been productive." He then whisper " for them, not me."
Amara nodded. "There's a good variety of goods today. It's been useful—and Larz has enjoyed himself."
Liana folded a piece of shiny cloth over her lap, her expression composed. "It is a fortunate day for trading. The vendors brought quality items this season."
Woman Kaito's thought
They finished their meal, organized their purchases into a carry bag, and prepared to head back.
As they resumed walking, a shift in the noise of the market caught their attention. Up ahead, musicians had gathered on a raised wooden platform. They played stringed instruments and hand drums, producing steady rhythms that carried through the air.
Larz slowed as they approached, listening intently.
"Music," he said, tugging softly on Kaito's sleeve.
Kaito acknowledged the group with a nod, placing a hand lightly on Larz's back to guide him forward. "We'll pass through, but stay close."
The family moved through the area at a measured pace. Several people stood observing the performance, while others walked by without stopping. The sound of the instruments echoed between the tents, creating a brief shift in the otherwise constant noise of the market.
Once they moved past the musicians and reached a quieter section of the road, Kaito glanced at the sky.
"It's time to return," he said. "We should reach home before the crowd increases."
Amara checked on Larz, who nodded in understanding.
Liana stepped beside them, her posture straight and composed. "We've covered everything necessary. Let's proceed."
The family walked together toward the exit of the caravan grounds, their steps steady and coordinated. The market's noise slowly faded behind them as they made their way back onto the main village path, their purchases secured and the day's tasks completed.
Or so they thought.
The evening wind felt unusually cold—not the gentle chill of dusk, but a sudden, sharp coolness that crawled up the skin like an instinctive warning. The sun was still visible, resting low on the horizon, yet the sky had taken on an odd, muted color. Instead of warm oranges and reds, streaks of gray drifted across the heavens, as if an unseen storm were brushing its fingers through the clouds.
While everyone prepared for the trip home—tightening straps, folding light bags, checking pockets twice—an unfamiliar silence settled over the area. It wasn't the peaceful kind. It felt intentional, like the world itself was holding its breath.
Even the stray dog that usually trotted around the steps was uneasy. It paced in restless circles, tail lowered, ears twitching at something no one else could hear.
Then, from far down the road, a faint metallic sound echoed.
Clang… clang…
Soft, distant, but unmistakable—like metal striking metal, slowly, deliberately.
One of the group members paused mid-movement, glancing over their shoulder.
"Did you hear that?" they whispered.
Another shook their head. "Probably nothing… just your mind playing tricks."
But even as they said it, their eyes drifted back to the same direction, the way people look when instinct tells them something is watching.
A sudden shift in the wind swept through—fast and cold. The leaves rustled strangely, not in the direction of the breeze, but against it, as if something invisible brushed past them. A few dried leaves scraped across the ground, making tiny scratching sounds that felt louder than they should have.
The oldest person in the group—the one who rarely commented on anything—lifted his gaze toward the horizon with a slow, uneasy frown.
"The air isn't right today," he murmured quietly, more to himself than anyone else.
Nobody responded, but a few exchanged subtle looks, hearing the warning hidden beneath his voice.
The sunlight dimmed a little too quickly after that—not fading, but snatched, like a cloud passed overhead without actually being there. Shadows stretched longer than normal, creeping across the earth in thin, unnatural shapes, as if trying to reach toward the group before they could leave.
For a brief moment—a blink, almost—someone thought they saw movement at the far end of the road. A silhouette shifting slightly in the haze. Not approaching. Not retreating. Just watching.
But the second they blinked, it was gone.
The air grew heavier then, pressing down on chests, whispering that something was waiting. Something patient. Something old.
Then came a final sound carried by the breeze—too soft to recognize, too clear to dismiss.
A whisper, faint and cold:
"It's not over."
Just as suddenly, the wind calmed. The temperature returned to normal. The sky looked unchanged.
Everything seemed fine again.
Normal.
Ordinary.
But the feeling remained—quiet, persistent, following them like a shadow as they prepared to begin the journey home.
The group gathered near the edge of the caravan market where the lanterns were already being lit for the evening. The vendors' voices were still lively, but the golden light was shifting into the deeper, colder tones that signaled the day's end. Kaito, Amara, Liana, and Larz stopped beside a wooden post to organize their belongings before leaving.
Amara adjusted the cloth bag in her arms, glancing at the sky.
"The sun is lowering faster than I expected," she murmured. "It might be best if we walk steadily. I don't want us crossing the forest path in full darkness."
Kaito nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Agreed. The earlier tremor… it didn't feel ordinary. Even the vendors reacted. We shouldn't stay any longer than necessary."
Liana, tightening her shawl around her shoulders, looked around the market one last time. "I noticed it too. It was brief, but it reminded me of the movement animals make when something disturbs them. Not loud… just enough to alert you."
Amara turned toward her. "Did you see anything unusual on your way back from the fabric stalls? You looked concerned earlier."
Liana hesitated before answering. "I'm not sure. At first, I thought a group of travelers were approaching, but when I looked directly, there was nothing. Only shadows where there shouldn't have been any. And the light—it dimmed for a moment. Not like a cloud passing over. Different."
Kaito set down one of the heavier baskets to adjust the strap over his shoulder. "I felt someone watching us while we were eating. Not the normal crowd… something else."
Amara studied him. "Watching us specifically?"
"Yes," Kaito said quietly. "Not in a hostile way. But not friendly either. Just… aware."
Larz, holding a small wooden puzzle to his chest, looked up at them. Even he sensed their unease.
"Father," he whispered, "are we going home now?"
Kaito rested a hand gently on his son's head. "Yes, we are. Stay close to us all the way."
Liana glanced down the dirt road leading out of the market. The shadows were longer now, stretched thin across the path even though the lanterns behind them still cast warm light.
"I don't like how still the road looks," she said. "Usually this time of day, there are more people heading home."
"There were people earlier," Amara replied. "Some left quickly after the tremor. Perhaps they felt the same unease."
Kaito exhaled slowly. "We'll stay together. If anything feels wrong, we return to the market and wait until more groups head out."
Liana stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"There was also something else," she said. "When I passed the dried spice vendor, he told me travelers coming from the northern side reported seeing strange lights along the forest line the previous night."
"What kind of lights?" Amara asked.
"He didn't describe clearly," Liana replied. "He said they were too far to identify, but they didn't move like torches or lanterns. They flickered unnaturally. And then vanished all at once."
The three adults fell silent for a moment.
Kaito finally straightened his posture, tightening the straps of the baskets.
"We leave carefully. We stay alert. No unnecessary stops."
Amara gave a firm nod. "I'll carry the lighter bags. Kaito, stay near the front with Larz. I'll keep watch behind."
"And I'll watch the sides," Liana added. "Nothing approaches us from the tree line without being seen."
Larz tugged at Kaito's sleeve again. "Father… is something wrong with the forest?"
Kaito bent down to meet his son's eyes.
"Not wrong," he said gently. "Just quiet. Too quiet. So we'll pay attention."
Liana placed a hand on Amara's arm.
"If you feel uncertain at any point, tell us. Even a small instinct matters today."
"I will," Amara replied.
A faint gust of wind drifted across the path — cold, carrying a scent none of them recognized. Not the smell of the market, not the forest, not smoke or food. Something distant. Metallic. Brief, but enough to make them pause.
Amara's hand tightened on her bag.
"…There it is again," she said. "The air shifted."
Kaito scanned the darkening road. "Then we shouldn't delay any longer."
He turned toward the path, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across his boots.
"Everyone ready?"
Amara nodded. "Yes."
Liana gave a steady breath. "I'm prepared."
Larz took his father's hand without being told.
With a final glance back at the warm lights of the caravan market — the last place that still felt safe — the family stepped forward onto the dim road home.
And as they did, the silence ahead seemed to listen.
---
//Note: I don't know if someone read this on early post but I posted this 3 months late and I put on my syp (I forgot, but it's how you describe your story) that I will post everyday. Well, unfortunately my gmail got hacked and fortunately I got it back. I am not here to make an excuse but I'm here make an apology. So I, the author, am sorry for being careless, not meeting what my dear reader expected. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day!
Btw, you can tell me what improvement I should do. On this, see you on comment!