Memory ⇌ Misc

Class Writing Assignment

In the morning, Mirlande gets ready for the day. Discussing what the upcoming day will hold for the family, she gets a shock. Needing more food for the house, Mirlande is to go to the bridge and see what the people at the markets have to offer. Gathering a few baskets, she sets off on her journey. Passing through the town, she greets people on the way, trying to get to the market as quickly as possible.

Brigham woke up at sunrise, ready to harvest the last of the crops before heading to the markets to sell. After gathering all the cocoa together, he grabs several crates and makes his way down to the bridge. Arriving at the bridge, he finds an available stall and sets up his stand for the day. Looking around him, Brigham notices all the other sellers, stalls full fresh fruit and crops from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Eventually, he will get a chance to walk the market himself, and buy the products his family needs.

Mirlande, finally arriving at the bridge, is in awe of what she sees. Five market spaces, with a range of products, stand in front of her. Feeling overwhelmed, she didn't know where to start. Walking around to get her bearings, Mirlande holds her baskets tight. Deciding to start with the fresh produce, she sets off the look at what each seller has.

Brigham, at his stand, sees a woman looking slightly overwhelmed. He can understand, as he was the same when he first came to the market. Deciding to lend a helping hand, he beckons her to his stand.

"I noticed you seem a little overwhelmed. Is this your first time at the market?" he asks.

Mirlande looks relieved as she says, "yes, I have only ever seen it from afar. I never realized just how big it is. How do you ever get used to it?"

Brigham thinks for a moment before responding, "one day, it won't seem so scary. It will simply become a place you can buy what you need and be on your way."

Mirlande glances around the produce area once again. It all still feels overwhelming for her, so she decides to continue asking Brigham questions. "Are you from Haiti or the Dominican Republic?" she asks.

"The Dominican Republic. I come from Dajabón, the town this bridge crosses into. Where do you come from, if you don't mind me asking?"

Mirlande smiles, "I come from Ouanaminthe, the town in Haiti this bridge crosses to." Both look around the market, seeing that many are still setting up. Brigham then has an idea.

"Would you like me to show you around the market before it gets too busy?" Brigham offers.

Mirlande looks taken aback. "I wouldn't want to keep you from your stand, you have produce to sell. Cocoa pods, am I correct?"

"Yes, I have a small farm where my family and I grow cocoa. And it wouldn't be any trouble. The market can get overwhelmed quite quickly when you don't know where to go." Brigham offers Mirlande a smile, gesturing to the market around them.

"Well then, we best be off so you can get back to your stand as quickly as possible," Mirlande replies with a smile of her own.

The two walk around the market space they are currently in, Brigham explaining that it is used to see fresh produce, like his cocoa pods and fruits.

Mirlande began to feel more relaxed as Brigham explained the ins and outs of the marketplace. She was starting to understand how to navigate through a space. Once they are done in the produce area, Brigham directs her to the next market, where the food vendors set up. While walking over, Mirlande notes how the roof above the market is orange. Looking around, she realizes that all the roofs have different colors. Making a mental note to remember which color belongs to which market, she asks what this next space is.