Melon skirted 'round the edge of the fountain in the middle of the square, avoiding bustling people and their children. So much commotion over fruits and vegetables and clothing. He sighed and shook his head, running his fingers through his hair once again. Such a busy place. He longed for the sleepy daze of being back on the ranch, half-asleep with a glass of lemonade and homemade cake. Mm, cake...<br/><br/>His stomach grumbled and he sighed heavily, trudging up the stairs to his apartment. His mind went over all the reasons he should go buy a basketful of groceries and fill his poor, mistreated stomach. The top reason was his hunger, of course, but then there was the long hours he worked, the horrible conditions, the number of items he produced, the several thousand rupees hidden in a safe place under his floor boards... But then he remembered Elinor and how excited she got when he came home with a jingling purse, and his mother who worked hard to keep up the ranch without a steady influx of business.<br/><br/>A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he fished around in his pocket. He wouldn't get paid until the end of the week. Could he afford an apple? A peach? Some bread? As he pondered, he walked towards his door, unconsciously reaching for the key that belonged to it. He was suddenly startled out of his reverie by Kiron, his kindly neighbor.<br/><br/>"Ah, good evening sir. Business is fine." He struggled to remain composed, clutching his stomach with one hand. "Lots of little boys wanting blades, lots of mothers wanting them fake. How goes the flower business?" The fear of seeming pathetic was realized as his stomach let out a long, low growl. He blushed and looked away from the man, clearing his throat. He hadn't eaten lunch that day and desperately needed something to eat. He just hoped Kiron would understand.