Pao Hua squeezed through the branches to get inside the carriage. In town he had to buy a bag, so he could carry everything back. He took out a few rice buns for him and Hli Ja, a jar of water, medicine, a pot, and some utensils.
Pao Hua also bought some supplies he felt they needed, that Hli Ja hadn't requested herself. Among those, he remembered the box of matches and small candles he had bought. He dug in the bag for a moment, pulling out a candle. The matchbox he pulled out of his pocket. He struck a match, lighting the small candle so that they had some light.
Hli Ja smiled and thanked Pao Hua. "You did a great job," she patted his head, "Thank you for coming back."
Pao Hua felt his cheeks flush at the compliment. It has been a long time since someone complimented him. He looked away and replied meekly, mumbling, "Mhm."