Silk words

The weather was hot and dry at this time of day. It was morning, the sun peeked just above the horizon. Sand flowed on the wind in the capitol of Xaila. It blew in her eyes and Atlatonan sighed frustrated. She tried to blink a few times, hoping it wouldn’t look stupid in front of the man trying to buy the meat. She clicked her tongue and shook her head when the man tried to take some of the price of. In frustration he yelled and did a sign with his hands meaning: fuck you. Atla groaned in her hands. For someone who did trades, she was awful at communication. She balded her fists and opened her eyes. A woman was looking at her. She was across the street selling what looked like spices and silk. Atla drove her fingernails into her flesh when she saw a customer walking away with a bundle. Why was this woman succesful? ”What are you looking at!

• Sinaï Qahdirah