The Bound Between Us

Chapter 29

Herman watched as Anastasia disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the Night Market. The crowd was so thick he couldn’t see her at all.

Even though he hadn’t known Anastasia for long. Herman could feel her sincerity.

Nodding in agreement, Herman said, “Duncan, you’re spot on. A good wife can bring prosperity to a family”

Duncan chuckled. “Mate, cherish her. I think you guys are a match made in heaven. Oh, by the way, Anastasia didn’t mention you got married. Here’s a little something from me”

ཡོ ༈ ཋ ཋརྗ ཥཾ རོ

Duncan pulled out a small gift box, inside was a present he had bought for just 20 bucks. Although it was only worth 20 bucks, it was a week’s worth of his meals and his kid’s medical bills.

The gift wasn’t heavy, but the sentiment was.

Herman tried to refuse. “Duncan, you’re too kind. Keep it. We appreciate your gesture, but you need that money for your kid’s treatment.”

“Come on, take it.” Duncan stood up, took a drag from his cigarette, and said, “Anastasia has helped us out before. I can’t afford much, but I insist you take this. Otherwise, it would sit wrong with me.” It was a man’s pride.

Herman held the wrapped gift, it felt unusually heavy for such a small box.

the gift, lit the cigarette Duncan had offered him, took a puff, and coughed a few times.

not a

guess, I made a fool of myself”

and they started chatting about this and that.

came back with two cups of latte and two cups of Peruvian

smelled something foul. “Anastasia, what did you

on the small table. “You’ve never tried it, right? It might look scary, but it’s really tasty. Give

never drank latte from street vendors, he always

face twisted in discomfort. “Are you

encouraged him, “Just give it a try. Trust me, it’s delicious.

the frog juice close to his face, almost spoon–feeding him. Herman held his breath, glanced at the stuff in the cup, and then back

Anastasia.

at him with expectation, so it was hard to say

took a tiny sip, his

“Isn’t it tasty?”

quickly took a sip of the vanilla latte, and said, “The latte’s pretty good.”

didn’t fancy the frog juice.

“You have your latte first, then I’ll get you another