Vegetable woman

                The day was breaking when an old woman placed a 2-meter length of stick behind her neck. On each side hanged baskets of vegetables she would be taking to the market. Around her waist is a bag where a pen, a piece of paper, and some coins are contained.

                The old woman walked half an hour to the market. She hasn’t eaten breakfast yet, not even drank coffee. It was not a good day, yesterday. Her luck for the today, whether it be good or bad will deliver her to tomorrow. She has eight children, two dogs, four cats, and her husband’s mouth to feed.

                She sits down the same pavement every day and it is hot as usual. As the sun rises and heats the cement where her goods lay, she patiently waits for buyers. One middle-aged woman purchases her cabbage. A man riding a bike passes and buys carrots.  

                The day ends. The stick is placed again behind her neck, this time lighter. The bag on her waist is happy.