Masterpiece, News, Jesus, Reed, Comb

In the absence of a comb, Esther used her fingers to smooth coarse brown hair. She reached the end of a single braid at her waist and rolled the thick rope into a bun at the base of her neck. Next, she tied thin leather sandals around slim calves and wrapped a rough muslin skirt around a thickening waist with a corner tie. Grabbing a large woven basket from the courtyard she slipped out under the curved door.

The sun was scorching and copper-colored dust rose with each step. Outside the gate, merchants and farmers displayed their goods for sale while a stout man roared news up and down the narrow lane. They shouted and gestured relentlessly, often coming too close for Esther's comfort. She continued until she found the Bedmaker. Olivia made sheets too fine for the rustic marketplace, but Esther understood that without a husband or sons to support the family, Olivia had no choice.

"Good morning! How are you?" Esther shouted brightly to Olivia. "I'm well thank you, with plenty for sale and many buyers. How can I help you?" replied Olivia. "I need two sheets and two pillowcases." Said Esther. "Ah. I have two finely woven pieces right here," shouted Olivia trying to rise above the noise of the market. Esther paid one piece of silver for the smooth cloth, folded her goods and carefully placed them in her basket. The dirt lane was getting hotter by the minute, made more so by throngs of people and hawkers.

A reed merchant with small round herb baskets caught Ester's eye. Delicately woven into patterns of rich chocolate brown and light papyrus, the bowl-sized baskets were a work of art. They made perfect storage for small herbs near the fire. Esther purchased two and continued home via a shaded, less crowded lane.

Her grandfather made the heavy, arched front door. A charming shaft of grain carved into a dark wood center connected two side pieces of lighter wood finished with a round, bronze door handle. The masterpiece was unique in the village. Esther felt proud every time she entered her home.

"The bread smells wonderful!" exclaimed Ester. "Did you find the dates?" replied her mother. "Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot! Here are the cloth and small baskets for herbs." said Esther. "You must go back and buy dates! exclaimed her mother. "I'm preparing a special bread for tonight's guest. They say his name is Jesus and he is well-known in the village. Hurry!"