“Hey, check it out!” Taylor looked past him at some stall signage.

  Ever turned around and read it: ‘Earth’s Embrace’.

  Taylor was inspecting some wares on display outside the shop. He sighed and joined her.

  “Look how fricking cool this is!” She picked up a hand-made plant pot that was molded in the shape of an open mouth up top. On the outside of it were dozens and dozens of eyes. Looking at it gave him flashbacks to the first time he entered Chaos’ realm; he turned his attention elsewhere.

  There was a sign on the other side of the entrance, which almost looked like it had been written with dirt: ‘Shoes off please. -G.’ Ever looked dubiously into the stall and noticed that grass was growing inside - not artificial turf, but actual grass.

  “Give me your arm,” Taylor demanded. He extended his arm obediently, which she grabbed. Using it for balance, she hopped and removed one of her lace-up boots, switching over to pull the other one off. “Thanks. Oh my God, this grass feels amazing!” She shimmied, as if to dig herself deeper into the ground.

  Moments later, Ever stepped onto the grass and knew instantly what Taylor meant. It was nothing like the grass in the park outside the ice cream shop, which was dryer and had pricked him upon arrival. This grass was so soft and so alive. He closed his eyes and wriggled his toes, getting the soft blades right amongst them.

  “Can I help you, child?”

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “Hi, wow this grass is amazing,” Taylor gushed.

  Ever looked up. Taylor was talking to the store owner, who was the little, old lady he had served just yesterday. He walked up and joined Taylor.

  “Hello again, so glad you decided to find me,” G said, looking up at Ever with a wrinkled smile. Seeing the confusion on Taylor’s face, she continued, “I tried your lovely strawberry sorbet yesterday. It was fantastic. I must try the mango one next time.”

  “Oh yes, please! Come again. Anyway, my friend Ever here wants a tote bag. You’ve got some cool stuff here,” Taylor picked up a coin purse that looked like its outside was made from old newspapers.

  “Thank you, I sell really whatever tickles my fancy.” G’s eyes lit up and she seemed to stand a little taller. The only constant amongst all of my products is that it leaves the world a better place. That’s why you see so many items made from recycled materials. The amount of plastic entering the landfill is terrible. I hope to make my mark by taking a little bit out and turning trash into someone’s treasure. But listen to me blabbering on. You said you wanted a tote bag? Funnily enough, I’ve just finished working on something…”

  She shuffled into a space at the back and came back out with a tote, but not like the one Ever saw the woman holding.

  “I’ve woven this tote bag myself from old plastic bags. Of course I washed and dried them before starting. I’m pretty proud of this piece.”

  “That’s sooo cool!” Taylor cooed. Ever could practically see the stars in her eyes. “Do you want this one Ever? Because if you don’t want it, I’ll get it for myself.”

  “I do want it actually,” he responded. “I’ll buy it myself.”

  “No you’re not,” Taylor said, voice hardening. “I said I’d buy this for you and I am.”

  “What if I buy it for you?” Ever teased.

  “You will not! I’m buying it now.” Taylor said, opening her purse.