Chapter 21 Alessia didn't miss a beat before steering the conversation in a new direction . " Hey , didn't you study law , big bro ? Why not draw up a contract ? I've got a pretty good eye for this stuff . Mom's barely opened shop today and already has several orders lined up . At this rate , I might actually end up ahead . " " That's … Dad's glad you're thinking that way , but- " " Let's not rush any decisions just yet . Dad , don't be so quick to shoot this down . Lessie's idea is actually pretty solid , but we can talk through the details later . For now , let's focus on what's in front of us . We'll see how things go and make plans from there . " As the eldest , Ethan had a calm steadiness about him that naturally inspired confidence . The discussion had come full circle , and with nothing more to add , Alessia excused herself and headed to her room to rest . A new bed really did wonders for her sleep . When Alessia checked the time , it was already ten o'clock .. Just like Ethan had said , Ivan was a quiet sleeper , and when he woke , he simply sat in the corner sketching , silent as a shadow . If it weren't for the occasional sound of a pen cap twisting off , you'd almost forget anyone else was there . Not wanting to disturb him , Alessia slipped out and opened the door . She found Brendan , Karen , and Zachary gathered around the living room table , counting something over and over , exchanging excited whispers they could barely suppress . " Morning ." " Lessie , you're up ! Did we wake you ? " " No , I was already awake . Did you guys do well at the market today ? " Alessia couldn't help but catch their infectious good mood - her voice naturally lifted with theirs . " Yeah , it was just a soft opening , so we didn't make much , but everything sold out . We made almost two hundred . " Karen's eyes sparkled as she sorted through a handful of small bills , looking nothing like the gentle , grieving woman she'd been just days before . " All thanks to Lessie . We hadn't even left the building and we'd already sold a bunch ," Brendan added , unconsciously straightening his back with pride . " It takes 15:37 me back , honestly . Feels a bit like those early days starting out , that thrill of landing our very first order . Today was just like that . " His tone was thick with nostalgia . He ran his fingers over the crumpled stack of bills , expression caught between pride and longing . " Dad , school officially starts tomorrow . There'll be way more foot traffic , and we'll be a lot busier . Don't get all flustered like you did today , okay ? " Zachary picked up on his father's mood and smoothly changed the subject . " True , and thank goodness Zachary came straight from school to help ," Karen chimed in . " Anyway , Lessie , you must be hungry . Let me fix you something light ; lunch will be ready soon . " " Thanks , Mom . " Alessia accepted without protest . " Oh , and this afternoon , I'm going out with Zachary . " " You two really hit it off , huh ? Brendan , give Lessie some cash . She hardly gets out , so let her treat herself - whatever you want to eat or drink , go for it . " Karen's smile was warm and genuine , clearly delighted that her two teenagers were already heading out together . Seventeen and nineteen - they exchanged a look that was equally amused and helpless . In the end , Alessia couldn't win against Brendan and Karen's insistence . Standing at the bus stop , she stared at the handful of small change in her palm - something she'd never usually carry - and couldn't help but laugh at herself . " Don't overthink it , just take it , " Zachary said , noticing her awkwardness . Alessia was a curious mix . If someone tried to strong - arm her , she'd push back even harder . But faced with sincere kindness , she never quite knew what to do . She still hadn't figured out how to accept these unexpected little gestures of warmth with ease . The bus arrived . Alessia got on first , Zachary following behind and dropping coins into the fare box . Their destination was closer than expected ; they hopped off midway to pick up a few things , then caught another bus for the second leg . All told , the whole journey took barely half an hour . Zachary gazed at the old alley ahead , its faded charm straight out of a bygone era , and his eyes softened . " I never knew Silverpine City had a place like this . " גור 15:37 Chapter 21 " You fit right in here , you know ," Alessia sald , the compliment slipping out so naturally it made Zachary flush a little . They wandered deeper into the maze of lanes , and the scent of herbs in the air grew stronger . " Think you can tell what's in the air ? " Alessia suddenly grinned , turning to look at him , curiosity lighting up her face .