Chapter Text
Settling into the town has been somewhat of a challenge, given the mistrust of most residents. However, over time most of them have grown fond of you, albeit, some still point fingers at you. Despite this, it will not put you off your main goal which is to help the town and heal as many people as you can.
Patting off the crumbs off your jacket, from the delicious pastry you snacked on during your break, you go to exit the cafe. You open the door to leave with your head hung low to prevent any potential unpleasant eye contact, but as soon as you do, your body is suddenly thrown backward, knocking you over and onto your bottom.
You hiss in pain and instantly go to grab your back in pain.
‘Pardon me, I didn’t mean to… oh, the alchemist.’ A man’s voice sounded above you, whose words quickly changed from apologetic to full of venom. Just by the gruff voice and his extremely clean shoes, you can tell it’s Matheo.
Sighing, you push yourself up and swiftly leave the cafe before he can say anything else. Although, you don’t leave fast enough to hear him complaining to the other customers. Water off a duck’s back, you thought.
Feeling rather ashamed, you make your way back to your house. Your motivation for the way easily crumbled after that interaction so once again you keep your head low.
Finally arriving, you’re greeted by your four legged friend and your mood instantly improves. There is something ever so comforting as having a pet to come back to. Well, it was great until you looked over at your door upon seeing your friend point with his snout. There stood the town’s carpenter; Reyner.
What’s it going to be now?
‘Good afternoon, Reyner. How may I help you?’ You ask cheerfully, trying to hide your shame that is still lingering.
He maintains eye contact, almost trying to read your intent for a solid minute which almost makes you a little bit too uncomfortable. Just before you try to talk again, he finally begins,
‘I need some medicine picked up for a friend. She isn’t feeling the best right now and she can’t make it here. So, I’m picking it up for her.’ He says with a bitter tone. You try not to cringe at it and keep your cheerful face.
Despite the trust you restored in some people, a lot of them are still quite evidently wary of you.
Still, you’re not going to give up. ‘Of course, do you know what she needs?’ You ask, unlocking your door and letting yourself and him in. Your four legged friend was quick to follow.
He pauses, thinking. ‘I think she said pari.. Paraci… the small white tablet to help with pain.’
Nodding you understand and go into your medicine drawer to retrieve paracetamol. ‘Here’ As you pass him the medicine you almost stumble.
‘Are you in pain after that fall?’ He asks, looking at your leg.
How did he know you fell over earlier? Was he there watching you? It was true that you avoided eye contact with the customers but Reyner isn’t necessarily short, surely you would have seen him entering the cafe. Right?
You cock your head and answer, ‘Yes, just a bit.’
You awaited a response, which was silly of you considering he didn’t seem bothered by this. Somehow that lack of response stung. Once again, you bury your shame and keep a straight face.
Without a single word Reyner moves to the door and leaves, in a very wary way as if he is worried you’ll do something.
Or that something is on his mind, which was evident by what he said before leaving,
‘Don’t let Matheo get to you, he can be nasty at times.’
With that, he shuts the door behind him, leaving you feeling rather… confused. You and your friend look at each other. You wish you could communicate with dogs right now to ask ‘What was that?’.
You weren't even sure yourself; did he mean that in a good way? Is he on your side?
Confusion clearly clouded your mind that you ended up thinking too much about it all afternoon rather than researching new ingredients.