Alice moved to the waterside and leaned against the railing, staring out across the familiar harbor. There were times she had hated the sight, times when she had dreamed of a more exciting life somewhere else. Now she wished it was hers again, that she was a girl, and life held promise even if she knew the promise was merely a daydream.

She manage to shut down and calm at last. She was very lucky after all. Behind her, the cart seemed to do good business all of a sudden. She turned and watched.