Chapter Twelve

Arianna was pulled back to the present by Tommy's voice calling her name. Her eyes focused on her brother as she felt her cheeks getting warm, silently thanking him for recalling her back to the present.

“Ate, can we give this watermelon at his price?”

“Ah, oh, oh. How much do you want?” she asked the patron with a smile, in a haggling mode, and was able to sell the watermelon at a higher price than what was being asked. That was the end of it, and they were able to return home with enough time to cook lunch.

During lunch, both of them acted like before, especially after their mother expressed relief that Tommy was again helping his sister sell garden produce in the morning.

“I will start helping tend the garden again. I was listening to the radio this morning and found this program with a doctor and his nurse-wife on it. The sun's rays and exercise should be able to help make me stronger,” she enthusiastically added.

“Ay, Ma!” Tommy protested promptly. “You don't have to. You can sit