The towering Clock of the Times stood proudly before them. A fond look was plastered across Theo's face. Vera tried to hide her snicker as Theo begun his monologue.

"This is the Clock of the Times, built even before the town was founded. It witnessed several hundred years of wars, leaders, and plagues, and it's still here, standing proud and tall." Wonder was evident through his voice as he continued. "I must've seen this a hundred times before, but it never ceases to amaze me." Theo turned to look at her. Unbridled excitement from his eyes was replaced by something akin to embarrassment. "It's the only thing amazing in this village, though. Everything else, you can find at other towns."

Vera was quick to deny this. "That's not true at all. The whole town was amazing!"

"How come?"

"Well... Everything we did earlier... All of them were fun..."

"Seriously?"

Vera nodded in confirmation. Theo sighed. "Honestly, I think you only say that to console me."

Vera had a scandalous expression across face. "Excuse me?" She raised her right eyebrow. "Are you insinuating I did that for you? Just who are you, huh?" She laughed. "In fairness, though. It really was fun... there was nothing like this in the place I was before." 'Especially because I wasn't even from this world in the first place.'

"Whatever," said Theo. His hands moved to touch hers.

"Huh? What are you doing?" She tried pulling her hands away, but he held it even tighter.

"Let's try that!" Theo pointed towards the stall that sold some confectioneries.

"You should've said so instead of grabbing me!"

---

"Two servings of treacle tart if you would."

"Sure!"

"Do you still want something else? There's some doughnuts and cotton candy here, too." Theo received no answer. Theo huffed and turned around. "Vera, don't be shy, I---" Theo noticed that Vera was missing.

'Ugh, just where is she? She disappeared like a bubble! That imbecile...'

His eyes scanned the area, yet he saw no hint of Vera's presence. Annoyed, he faced the vendor with an apologetic look on his face. "Here's the payment." He handed the vendor some coins. "I'll be going back for it later, would that be okay? My companion is missing, and she's---"

"Oh, that's fine! Take your time! I'll just keep them here until you return."

"Thank you, and sorry."

"No problem, kid!"

---

'Just where the hell is that girl? Just one moment, then she's gone!' He huffed in irritation. 'Honestly, playing hide and seek when we're supposed to... Ugh!'

His ears strained to pick up every noise that may provide any hint to the whereabouts of Vera. When he was about to give up his search and just wait for her at the stall, he heard her faint voice.

"Hey, what are you doing here? Where are your parents?"

'Ah, there you are.' Theo followed the origin of Vera's voice. It lead him towards a shabby and dirty alley. He saw a petite figure crouched over something. 'Honestly, what are you doing here?' He slowly approached her, hoping to surprise her, when he heard a soft voice.

"I don't know where they are..."

'Huh? That's weird.' Theo stopped in his tracks and watched how Vera handled it.

"Is that so?" A loud growl was heard. Vera laughed softly. "Are you hungry?" Vera reached for her half-eaten burger she forgot to eat earlier.

"Here, eat this." The burger was snatched from her grasp. "Eat it slowly, else you might choke," he heard her remind whoever she was talking to, as the person hungrily and loudly devoured the food. "You really are hungry, huh? Come here, I'll buy you some more."

She lifted the person she was talking to. The person tried to protest, but was unable to flee from her determined grasp. That person surrendered immediately. As Vera stood up, he saw a young child being carried on her arms.

'That child is too young to be left out during these times!' thought Theo as he noticed the thin frame of the child. Vera turned around and let out a soft gasp as she took notice of Theo.

"Theo!? How long have you been watching?"

"Not that long..."

"What are you doing here?"

"Searching for you, I guess?"

"Is that so? Come on! I need to buy some food for this kid, she's hungry." Vera turned towards the small child. "Isn't that right, Zoe?"

He felt his heart melt as he watched the two interact.

---

"I want that."

"So demanding, huh?" Vera turned towards the vendor and ordered what Zoe pointed at. They were back once more at the stall where they ordered treacle tarts earlier. Zoe, being her bratty self, ordered a lot. Vera and Theo's eyes widened as they saw how much the little brat ordered. It even exceeded the amount of food they ate combined.

"Hey there, Zoe," said Theo with a nervous smile on his face. "Isn't that," he pointed at the absurd amount of food piled up on her thin arms, "too... much?"

The child in question swallowed what's on her mouth first before answering. "Nuh, uh!" She looked at Vera once more. "I want that too!"

"Okay!" Vera happily obliged. She turned to glare at Theo. "Come on, Theo, let the kid enjoy herself!"

"You could only say that because you're not paying,' grumbled Theo. It only fell on deaf ears as the duo ordered even more food. All color on his skin left him as he saw the total cost of the food they ordered.

"This... is..."

Vera and Zoe just gave him an apologetic grin.

'I just hope my mother won't kill me for this,' thought Theo as he gave nearly all of his money as payment for the food they had consumed.

---

"Thank you for your patronage!" said the vendor as they finally, finally left the store ('money sink,' grumbled Theo).

"Sure!" said Vera and Zoe. They happily waved back at the vendor.

"That was fun!" exclaimed Vera with a blissful expression. However, it fell down slightly as she noticed Zoe's gloomy expression. "What's the matter, Zoe? Aren't you happy?"

"I'm happy..."

"Then why are you like that?"

"Because I'll return to the streets again..."

"Aw, don't be sad, Zoe! I'm sure Theo here is willing to let you stay with us for the time being. Isn't that right, Theo?" She turned to look at him with a stern stare. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.

"S-sure... I don't mind..."

Vera and Zoe noticeably brightened at his answer. "You heard that, Zoe? We won't be leaving you!"

Theo mumbled softly, "That is, if my mother allows it..."

"What did you say, Theo!?"

He paled at her threatening tone. 'She heard that!?' He gulped audibly, and answered, "Nothing..."