Farmers Market

As the four of you linger over the last of your coffee, you seize a comfortable pause in the conversation to build on Clara's earlier suggestion.

"You know, we could make a day of it," you propose, looking around the table. "Start with the farmers market, then maybe grab lunch at that new gastropub on the high street. There's that vintage record shop David's always talking about—" you nod toward your flatmate, "—and I think there's some kind of art installation in the park this weekend."

Clara's eyes light up immediately. "I love that idea! The weather's perfect today." She turns to Zara, who's still wearing David's oversized t-shirt like it's the most natural thing in the world. "There's also that little artisanal soap place you mentioned wanting to check out."

Zara looks momentarily surprised that Clara remembered such a minor detail, then smiles. "That would actually be amazing. I've got nothing scheduled until dinner with my sister tomorrow." She glances at David with a hint of uncertainty. "If you're up for it?"

David, who would typically make some excuse about needing to prep for Monday's meetings, doesn't hesitate. "Definitely. I know a great wine bar for later, too—the owner keeps the good bottles under the counter for regulars."

"Well, look at you with the connections," Zara teases, nudging his shoulder with hers.

"It's settled then," you say, collecting empty plates. "Let's get cleaned up and head out in, say, half an hour?"

While Clara helps you load the dishwasher, Zara borrows some of Clara's clothes she'd left at your place—a casual sundress that hugs her curves in a way that makes David momentarily lose track of what he's saying mid-sentence. You catch his eye and share a knowing grin—you've been on the receiving end of Clara's wardrobe effect plenty of times yourself, especially during your time as Mia.

Forty-five minutes later, the four of you stroll toward the bustling market, Clara's hand comfortably entwined with yours while David and Zara walk close enough that their shoulders occasionally brush. The morning sun casts everything in a golden glow, and there's something uniquely satisfying about navigating the world as a foursome—two couples with a shared secret binding three of you together.

As you pass a boutique with mannequins modeling summer dresses, you catch Clara looking at a copper-toned slip dress eerily similar to one Mia owned. She squeezes your hand three times—your private signal developed over the past weeks, acknowledgment without words of the transformation experience you shared.

"Farmers market first," David declares as you approach the colorful canopies and the scent of fresh bread and flowers fills the air, "but I propose we split up and meet at the cheese stand in twenty. That way Zara can check out the soap place without me pretending to have opinions about lavender versus jasmine."

"Coward," Zara laughs, playfully shoving his arm. "Fine, but you're buying me that fancy olive oil you mentioned."

"Deal." David's smile is more relaxed than you've seen in weeks. "Matt, beer stall after cheese?"

"Absolutely," you agree, watching Clara and Zara already drifting toward a display of handcrafted soaps, their heads bent together in animated conversation. The normalcy of it all—just two couples enjoying a Saturday—feels like the most extraordinary gift after everything you've experienced.

10:15 | Saturday 16 August 2025 | Putney Farmers Market