~Aria's POV
As she opened the shop fully, the shop felt different in the morning.
Not quieter, exactly. Just softer. Like it was stretching awake instead of already being in the middle of things.
Sunlight slid through the front windows in thin, golden lines, touching the shelves one after another. Jars caught the light and glowed faintly. Dried leaves. Twisted roots. Bundles of herbs tied with rough string. The air smelled warm and earthy, with a hint of sweetness underneath. It reminded me of rain-soaked soil and tea left too long to steep.
Karina moved around the space with ease, like the shop knew her and adjusted itself to her steps. She lifted jars, shifted small stools, straightened labels. Every movement had purpose, but none of it felt rushed.
I helped where I could.
