1.1

A penny lay glistening in the gutter. It was clean and bright, obviously new, shiny with moisture that could have been the early morning dew or last night's rainfall. Nina knew she should pay attention to her parents' conversation, it was clear she was the subject of discussion, but she could hear frogs rumbling somewhere out in the foggy park, and the wind was crisp and chill, and the penny glittered in the gutter.

"Fifty dollars," said the man with the gnarled cane. "My final offer."

"Surely she's worth at least seventy," said Nina's father, a jolly man in suspenders, his cheeks rosy in the cold. "Young, slim, no diseases—her teeth are—"

"Don't be a fool."

"Mikael," Nina's mother whispered, "just take the deal."

Mikael looked at Nina for a long moment. She was not their only child, nor was she a particular favorite of his. Still, he couldn't help but feel he could get a better price for her if they kept her on the market. His wife was impatient, however, eager to get out of the chill, damp weather and home to a warm breakfast. He sighed.

"Fifty, then. Throw in the clothes she's wearing."

"I should hope so," said the man with a wry smile. He pulled a small book out of his coat pocket and handed a wad of paper to Nina's father. Mikael took it and stuffed it in his trouser pocket, not bothering to count it out of both politeness and impatience. He and the tall man shook hands.

Nina, oblivious, began to reach out for the penny. Her mother slapped her hand.

"Nina! Stand still!" she hissed.

"I'll thank you not to touch my daughter, ma'am," the man said.

"Your dau—" she began incredulously. Mikael grabbed her arm and tugged forcefully backwards.

"It's been a pleasure, sir, we'll be on our way now—come now, Clara," he snapped. They moved away into the gray mist, and Nina and the tall gentleman were alone.

Smiling softly, he knelt down with a crack. Nina watched him uncertainly. She was not entirely sure what had just happened or where her parents had gone, and wondered when they would return. The man made her uncomfortable.

"Hello, Nina," he said gently. Shyly, she glanced away, her eyes automatically finding the amber glint of the penny again. He reached a gloved hand down into the gutter and scooped it up. He took her small white hand and pressed the penny to her palm, closing her fist around it.

"My name is Gregor. We're going to be friends."