Chapter 256: Salt and Sugar (Part 1)

Aberdeen City, Twenty-one years ago

The young Garan and little Bean stared at their stock of essential condiments with a bit of pride.

Winter was coming and it meant major rationing in the orphanage would happen. 

When they were smaller, they had no choice but to eat what was available and when it was available. This often meant very painful stomachs and heavy shivering from the cold.

But nine-year-old Garan and his BFF Little Bean were already big kids and they were determined not to suffer so badly anymore.

So they worked very hard during the errands and part-time jobs to stock up long-lasting food. They also bought salt and, because the shopkeeper admired their independence (i.e. she thought they were adorable), she gave them a few pieces of candy.

"What is this? What are you doin'? Has it snowed already?" Little Althea asked as she saw the two boys putting salt on their meat.