December Market

      It was unusual for Hugo to venture outside of his house, let alone so late at night. The gentle breeze had caused a chill to hit just below freezing, causing the puddles from yesterday’s rain to glaze over with a thin coat of fragile ice. Though being outside his house like this was certainly nerve-wracking, he cracked the frost with playful steps as he made his way towards his destination.
      Eventually, after much walking, he began to hear the murmurs of voices and shuffling of all kinds of items and goods being sorted by vendors from all around the country. It was very rare for the night market to come around, and Hugo had missed it time and time again due to his anxieties. Now, he thought, will be the time I finally get the chance to take a look.
      He pulled the strap of his bag close to his chest with both hands, burying the lower half of his face in his thick wool scarf, and carefully entered the market, making sure to carefully weave between people as to not bump into anyone and make a scene.
      Though it was such a cold December night, the amber glow of the flickering streetlights cast a warm light upon everything that could’ve tricked anyone into thinking they were sitting by a cozy fire. It made Hugo feel almost relaxed. He felt the grip on his bag loosen as his eyes flitted back and forth between the stands, searching for something that would capture his eye. He wasn’t exactly too sure what he was looking for, honestly, but he had been hoping to find some new ink and wax steal stamps considering he was beginning to run low on them.
     “Hallo~!”
      Suddenly, a voice spoke up from the rest of the crowd. It rang through his ears, piercing his chest with a sharp pang of anxiety. He began glancing around, trying to find the source of the voice. Eventually, his eyes landed on a smiling blonde boy, waving at him. Hugo stared at him with wide eyes.
     “Yes, you! Come here!”
     He forced down a gulp as he felt his throat beginning to close up. Feeling as if he had no other option, he shuffled past the rest of the shoppers and stood before the blonde boy and his stand.
Tall. Maybe… 5’10”? Young, though. No older than 25. German. Selling paper, pens, ink… How convenient,  He quickly surveyed him up and down, quickly getting a rundown of the man and his stand.
     “Now what’s a little guy like you doing out here? Where are your parents?”
     He felt the anxiety within him swirl with irritation. Seriously? Did he look that young?
     “I’m 18.”
     “Oho! Now you’re a funny boy,” He ruffled Hugo’s hair with a laugh before his face dropped, “No, no, seriously… What are you doing? It’s dangerous out here.”
     “I was being serious. It’s rude to make remarks like that about someone’s appearance. Didn’t your mother ever teach you manners?” He grimaced at the shopkeeper.
     “Aye boys looks like we have a feisty one here!” He laughed again as he pointed at Hugo with his thumb.
     Hugo looked around in a panic, seeing that people were starting to take notice of him. Their eyes were searing into him like sunburns. He began panting as he looked back at the trader frantically.
     “D-Don’t do that! W-W-What the hell is wrong with you?”
     “Ehe… Sorry, sorry, Seems like you’re not one for jokes,” He crossed his arms.
     “I-I was going to buy something, but I’d rather my money not go to someone so impolite,” Hugo turned on his heel and began walking away, “Good night!”
     “Ah?! Wait, wait! I’ll give you a discount? Free item?”
     The sudden shift in demeanor from the shopkeeper startled Hugo, stopping him in his tracks as he turned back to face him. Yes, it was clear, the shopkeeper wanted his business, but why? Well, this is a mystery Hugo couldn’t resist pursuing.
     “Oh?” Hugo turned back, forcing a smirk, “You suddenly want my business so bad now? Why is that? Maybe you should treat your customers with respect if you actually wanna sell any of your stuff.”
     “You’re right, you’re right! I’m sorry! It’s just… I haven’t had a single sale all night and I have to pay my rent. I have hardly a cent to my name,” He frowned, “I thought being boisterous would maybe get some people’s attention, but, yeah. Probably not the best move on my part.”
     He walked up to the stand, glanced at the prices, and slid a few coins on the table as he carefully slid a bottle of ink and some wax melts into his bag.
     “Just be kind and those who need your business will come to you.”
     The salesman composed himself and smiled at Hugo, gently taking the coins into his hand.
     “Thank you. You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind for the rest of the night.”
     “No need to give me a free item. I wish you luck on your sales, good sir!”
     He smiled cheerfully and dipped his hat with a small bow before turning away and weaving back through the crowd the way he came.
     Though he would consider his first (and probably last) trip to the night market a success, the anxiety that was heavy on his chest finally lifted itself once the flickering lights faded out, leaving him shrouded once again in the cold blue of the moonlight and the gentle crunch of the frosted grass and leaves.
     Maybe I’ll go on a little walk before heading home, he thought as he stepped on another frozen puddle, yeah… those letters can wait a bit.