had the strange notion that he knew they were hurt, even though they were covered in another pair of fur trimmed boots. I swung them down selfconsciously.
“How did you know I made soup today?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.
I laughed, and he invited me to come and have lunch with him later.
“Um, thanks. I’d love to,” I said with sincerity. Lue’s soup was delicious.
He nodded with satisfaction, “You should keep your feet up,” he said as he rolled away.
The day wore on, and as the crowd picked up I watched Ethan work, dealing with customers, giving gardening advice and stocking fresh plants. He moved with such natural grace, I kept having to fight back the impulse to run up and throw my arms around him, smothering him with kisses.
He asked me if I was getting hungry and I told him that Lue had invited me to have lunch with him.
“Naturally,” he said, smiling in amusement.
Long came over and took charge of the stand for Ethan, avoiding me as much as possible.
“He really doesn’t like me,” I muttered to Ethan, feeling rejected, “What did I do?” He laughed, and whispered in my ear, “He thinks you put a spell on me.” He took me by the hand and led me to a secluded spot behind one of the tents. “I think he might be onto something,” he murmured in my ear and kissed me, his hands kneading the small of my back. I wrapped my arms around his neck, sighing with happiness. We walked out holding hands.
“Marina, Ethan,” Lue called out, gesturing us over to his makeshift kitchen. He ladled us a couple of bowls and sat down with us, urging us to eat. The soup was as delicious as I remembered, and even better, because this time I sat close by Ethan, our legs pressed together shin to shin.
“Mmm, thanks Lue,” I said happily, “You ought to open a restaurant.” He found my observation very amusing, and laughed his funny little chuckle. Ethan thanked Lue, squeezed my knee under the table and got up to go.
“Take your time,” Ethan said, “But come back to me. Don’t wander off.” I watched Ethan walk away and looked up to see Lue gazing at me with a speculative look on his weathered face.
“Long says animals attack you. Water spirits are still angry.” I nodded, wondering how much he knew.
“Uhm, Lue... what exactly do you mean by ‘water spirits’?” He smiled indulgently, like I’d just asked a silly question, “Spirits that live in the water.”
“They’re trying to get me in the water,” I said, searching his hooded eyes, “Lue, do you think I’m the sacrifice they want?” I finally said it out loud, what I had been thinking for a while.
My father had taken my mother from them, and maybe they wanted revenge. A life for a life.
Lue contemplated the problem, showing no emotion, “Water doesn’t destroy water.”
“I don’t get it. What do I have they could possibly want?” I asked.
He looked surprised, “You have many gifts,” he said.
There was a flurry of feathers and a screech, as a seagull landed on the chair Ethan had just vacated. It advanced on me, turning its head and eyeballing me like the other one had done before. Overhead, a dozen more circled. I backed away but Lue went after it, waving it off with disdain.
“I better go,” I said nervously, suddenly wanting Ethan, “Thank you Lue.”
“Good luck Marina,” he said, “And don’t worry, water always finds its way back to Earth.” I turned back to face him, “Kob kun kup,” I said and bowed deeply, with sincere respect.
I hurried back to join Ethan as fast as my sore feet would take me, even more confused than I was before. He threw his arms around me, greeting me like we’d been apart for days rather than just a few minutes. I giggled at his enthusiasm and kissed him, a little amazed at how safe and comfortable I felt in his arms. As bizarre and painful as the events of the past few days had been, I’d never been happier, and it was all because of him.
I settled back down, quietly reading as the market wound down. Ethan worked swiftly, packing up the stand and swinging by to plant kisses on me every so often. He drove me home, pulling up to the spot around the corner where his truck was parked.
“What are we going to do about tonight?” he asked.
“I’ll be okay on my