Chapter 21. The Shadows and Strange Faces

RUBY

In the bustling Bliss market, the chaos seemed never-ending. A lost child cried out for his mother, a man desperately searched for his misplaced wallet, and shopkeepers shouted at the top of their lungs, trying to attract customers. The market was always flooded with people, and not a single empty space could be seen between the stalls. Some people shielded their eyes from the scorching sun with their hands, while others fashioned fans out of newspapers or magazines. The unforgiving sun beat down on the market, causing beads of sweat to glisten on everyone's foreheads. Many faces turned red from the sweltering heat.

Amidst the commotion, I slipped into the crowd, relishing in the anonymity it provided. I had no desire for fame or fortune, for the spotlight and the riches that came with it. They were fleeting and contingent on conforming to others' expectations. Instead, I preferred the shadows, where I blended in with a hundred other faces just like mine.<