All smiling.
All strangely interested in the newcomers.
---
Kai noticed it immediately.
---
They were staring.
---
Not aggressively.
Just watching.
---
Like curious animals.
---
Harun sat beside him.
---
"Try not to think about it."
---
"You noticed too?"
---
"Everyone notices."
---
That somehow wasn't reassuring.
---
A waitress approached.
---
"What can I get for you?"
---
"Anything edible."
Kai replied.
---
The waitress laughed.
---
"We have plenty."
---
Several minutes later food arrived.
---
A large stew.
Fresh bread.
Cooked vegetables.
And carrots.
Lots of carrots.
---
Kai stared.
---
More carrots.
---
Harun laughed.
---
"You're still thinking about that?"
---
"The entire village grows carrots."