Thaeolai clutched her stomach. The hunger clawed.

  She sat where the green-hued fruit doves pecked at the lonely grains of rice and barley between the cobbles. Where the sea breeze only crept forth in a whisper.

  She sat beside her younger brother Malakei. Two of thirteen. The two who’d most recently been cast out to starve. Thaeolai was punished because she did not answer when spoken to. Malakei because he talked back.

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  She didn’t know when their mother would let them back inside.

  This was what they deserved, after all.

  The young boy hadn’t eaten for four days now. His limbs were as rods. His face aged as if he were dying.

  Thaeolai hugged her brother tight. From the shade of the alley, she caught a glimpse of the inner city market. She heard the muted sounds of commerce. Her eyes fell on a bread cart. Her stomach wailed.

  She’d only take just a touch. They wouldn’t notice.