Charles and Kaira sat at a small open-air shop just outside the bank they'd visited.
The sun still blazed, but the shade of a yellow awning offered some relief.
Each held a square plastic container of chocolate ice cream, scooping it with plastic spoons.
The ice cream was creamy, its rich flavor a small reward after their grueling hike, cooling their parched throats.
In Kaira's free hand, a plastic bag dangled heavily, stuffed with four more identical containers of ice cream.
Charles took a spoonful, savoring the chill.
"This is good," he said, glancing at Kaira. "But seriously, why'd the vendor make you buy so much? Four extra containers? That's overkill!"
He pointed at the bag, raising an eyebrow.
"What're you gonna do with all that?"
Kaira grinned, shoving another spoonful into her mouth.
