It was early dawn.
Auri woke up early to prepare for the opening of his stall on its first day.
The first day was everything. It would decide whether he stood tall tomorrow or packed up in shame. The demonstration yesterday was a bit lacking due to unforseen circumstances, so if he still couldn't make a lasting impression today, he might never get another chance.
Well, that was the plan, but instead, Auri found himself sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed, with Timofey clinging to him like a stubborn barnacle.
The boy's small hands fisted tightly around the fabric of Auri's tunic, his face buried against his side as if letting go would somehow make him disappear forever. His hair was still tousled from sleep and his round eyes were still puffy, shimmering with tears after he woke up from a nightmare.
"Timmy..." Auri sighed, smoothing the boy's hair with one hand. "You have to let go, li'l bud. If you hold on to me all day, how am I supposed to make money for us?"
