Chapter 30

Bailey was like a curious child. Her eyes were filled with wonder at every unfamiliar sight along the way, and she kept asking Stephen to explain things to her. For instance, she was intrigued by lighters shaped like car keys and quirky certificates selling for two dollars each—"Beauty Queen", "Handsome Hunk", "Genius" certificates, and even "Certified Dummy" ones. At the church entrance, Bailey stopped at a booth selling love locks. She looked at the wooden table covered with about a hundred padlocks and asked, "Stephen, what are these locks for? What's the purpose of engraving names on them?" "They're called 'friendship locks'. You engrave names on them to symbolize unbreakable friendship and bond stronger than steel," Stephen explained. "Oh, I see!" Bailey's eyes lit up immediately. Just then, Zachary chimed in, "Stephen, I'm dying of thirst. Can we grab some water before offering our prayers?" Stephen nodded. "Sure. Go ahead and get something to drink. I'll buy the candles."