Ning chose the southern market as her next test. The route crossed a small stone bridge and passed three shops before reaching the fruit stalls. She checked the map at the inn and marked a bench halfway through.
“Do you want me to walk with you?” Yan asked.
“After the bridge. I want to see how I feel first.”
Qinghe came along but stayed a few paces back. Ning set a steady pace through the first street. The morning air was cool, and the market carts had not crowded the road yet. She passed the first shop without stopping.
At the bridge, she rested one hand on the railing and took several breaths. Yan waited on the other side, not crossing until she looked toward him.
“Do you want me beside you?” he asked.
“Yes. Walk with me from here.”
They crossed slowly. At the end of the bridge, a vendor recognized Yan from his Registry visitor token and offered him a free cup of tea.
