The action hots up!

Proserpina

“Don't mind her. Our Ivica is a strange one.” murmured the cashier looking vaguely annoyed as she began to return the old woman’s purchases to the counter.

”Where does she live?” asked Aiyana, curiously.

“Oh, by the river, far into the woods.” the woman sighed in exasperation and went on.

“She lives alone with her father-in-law, a crazy old man. Not that she’s any less eccentric.”

And she continued, oblivious to our heightened interest as she chattered away,

“Doesn’t come down very often does our Ivica. But lately, she has been buying a lot of food. Too much for two people, I would say.”

She smiled and turned.

“Now, how can I help you?”

*

Phillippe had darted out of the shop and had bounded after the bus. But it had already trundled off.

The two teenage girls who had been making eyes at him in the store stood around, leaning on their bicycles, giggling and gossiping. Without waiting to think, he darted across to them and said,

“Please, can I have your bike?” he cried brea