28: Heat of the Dragon

Three o’clock rolled around, and Conor clocked out from Jackson’s Furniture, eager to start his second job of the day.

As he made his way to Mr. Arroz’s Spice Emporium, the pungent aroma of exotic spices filled the air, instantly reminding him of the days he had spent recently working next door with Cara.

He briefly wondered if she had a shift this afternoon, but those thoughts were quickly interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Ah, Conor, my boy! Come, come!” Mr. Arroz called out with his characteristic enthusiasm, his thick Pruarian accent carrying easily over the bustling street. The jovial older man had always been kind to Conor and seemed particularly thrilled to see him today.

“Conor, that combination you suggested is selling like nothing I have ever had in my shop! You are truly Celia blessed! And that Mr. Nuri you introduced me to—already, he is having orders placed for a shop near his headquarters!”

Conor smiled warmly at the darker-skinned Mr. Arroz, feeling a sense of pride in th