Chapter 8 The warning

The next morning was normal - or at least it seemed that way.

Nora got to work early. She arranged the meat, cleaned the counters, restocked the suya trays, and wiped the display glass. Everything looked fresh, perfect, just like always.

Musa was quiet, focused on his usual routine. He didn't ask questions.

By afternoon, Nora was done for the day. Musa gave his usual nod, and she packed her things and left.

When she got home, the smell of stew filled the house. Her aunty and cousins were in the parlor, sitting close and watching a movie. Everyone looked relaxed.

Nora warmed her food, sat in the corner, and started to eat quietly.

Then her phone rang.

Unknown number.

She picked without thinking.

"Hello?"

A deep male voice replied, "Is this Nora?"

"Yes, please. Who's this?"

"It's Ginika's husband. She's sick - we rushed her to the hospital again. She mentioned something about buying meat from you."

Nora sat up straight, heart racing. "What? What happened?"

"She collapsed. Vomiting, high fever. The doctors don't even know what's wrong.

Before she could explain, he ended the call.

Her aunty turned down the TV. "Who was that?"

Nora swallowed hard. "Ginika's husband. Ginika... she came to the shop yesterday. She bought meat. Now she's sick again."

Her aunty stared at her. "What kind of meat did she buy?"

"I... I don't know," Nora said slowly.

Her aunty's eyes narrowed. "You're working in a meat shop and you don't know the kind of meat you're selling?"

Nora said nothing.

"What kind of person does that? Eh? You cut it, pack it, smell it - and you don't know what it is?"

Silence.

"I'm warning you," her aunty said coldly. "If Police get involved, if anything happens to that girl, don't involve me. I won't answer for you. You're not a baby, Nora. Use your brain."

Then she stood up and left the room.

Nora sat alone, shaking.

And for the first time, she truly wondered what kind of shop she had walked intoo