Aussie Beef Stew

Early in the morning, Gwen headed out toward the market. It had only struck her yesterday while accompanying Hannah on her shopping trip, why hadn't she remembered the old man selling the gold combs? She had walked right past the very aisle where his stall used to be.

Gwen found it puzzling. Why on earth had it slipped her mind yesterday?

'Why did I forget? Or was it simply because I didn't see him, so it didn't register?' Gwen muttered to herself as she rode her motor scooter.

Upon arriving at the market, Gwen felt a wave of hunger, but she was too embarrassed to eat at the curb or at the basic food carts. She looked for a cleaner, roomier eatery, wandering until she reached the spot where she had originally bought the comb.

"Wait, it’s really not here. Where did the stall go?" Gwen murmured.

"Looking for something, miss? Come take a look at our clothes, dresses, and blouses!" called out a vendor who noticed Gwen standing there in confusion.

"Excuse me, what happened to the trinket stall that was right here?" Gwen asked.

"A trinket stall? There’s never been a stall in that spot, miss."

Gwen’s brow furrowed.

"There definitely was! Run by an old man!" Gwen insisted.

"I’ve only been covering this shop for three days for my relative. But for as long as I’ve been here, the stall you’re talking about hasn't been open," the clothing seller replied.

Gwen frowned in bewilderment. 'That's so bizarre!'

With her stomach rumbling, Gwen decided to look for a nearby diner, hoping to grab some meat pies, beef stew, or any proper meal.

She spotted a cozy diner near the market entrance close to where she had parked her scooter. Gwen promptly sat down and ordered a traditional Aussie beef stew, a favorite of hers—strictly without bean sprouts or extra greens, as she despised vegetables.

As she enjoyed her breakfast, Gwen couldn't stop thinking about the old man. It was only now that she realized she needed to ask him a crucial question: how could she return to being Hans’s wife once she had gathered a small fortune?

"Excuse me, I'd like a second serving, please! This stew is fantastic!" Gwen felt a surge of joy, relishing the freedom to eat as much as she wanted and order seconds on a whim.

In the past, she could never dream of doing this. Eating at a place like this would have required four separate reconsiderations. The hearty beef stew at this diner was pricey, but it was guaranteed high-quality and delicious.

'I’m going to indulge myself to the fullest because I actually have money now!' Gwen grabbed a generous side of savory sausages and grilled meats.

'If only I could enjoy a meal like this together with Hans,' Gwen thought wistfully.

As if answering her thoughts, Hans walked right past her vision. Gwen rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"Hans?" Gwen sprang up from her chair, watching him enter the market area. "Hans!" she called out.

Hans turned around. "Oh, hello, Sienna!"

"What are you shopping for?" Gwen asked, beaming at the sight of him.

"Just picking up a few missing baking ingredients for the construction site manager's wife," Hans answered politely.

"Come join me for some stew first!" Gwen offered warmly.

"Thank you, Sienna, but I’ve already had breakfast at home," Hans declined gently.

Gwen hated how Hans constantly turned down her generosity. She grabbed his arm firmly. "Sit down, I’ll order your favorite beef stew for you!"

Hans looked bewildered. "How do you know I like beef stew, Sienna?"

Gwen froze for a fraction of a second before flashing a smile. "From Gwen! Gwen told me that you two absolutely love beef stew, but rarely get to buy it. I’ll order some for Gwen to take home too. She’ll be thrilled!"

Hearing Gwen’s name, Hans gave in. Gwen would indeed be overjoyed if he brought home some hot, rich beef stew. She was deeply fond of hearty, savory comfort meals.

Gwen was delighted that Hans had finally obliged.

"Sienna, while we wait for the food, do you mind if I pop over to the bakery supply shop first?"

"Oh, sure. But come right back, because I’m ordering double portions!" Gwen reminded him.

"I will, I’ll be right back. Sorry for the trouble!" Hans replied politely.

Gwen simply waved her hand with a bright smile.

Before long, the takeout orders of stew for Hans and the real Gwen were packed up, just as Hans emerged from the bakery supply store.

"Thank you so much, Sienna. My wife will be so happy!"

"Of course, take them. But you make sure to eat too! There are six portions in total—three for you, three for Gwen."

"Goodness, that’s way too much! I really feel bad accepting all this!" Hans felt uncomfortable taking such a grand gift from her.

"Just take it!" Gwen insisted.

"In that case, I’ll take my leave now. I need to hurry back, the manager's wife is waiting for these!"

"Go right ahead!"

Gwen smiled warmly as she watched Hans walk away, clearly pleased with the gift.

'I know, Hans. You love beef stew, but because a single portion costs a fortune, we could never afford it before,' Gwen thought to herself.

Suddenly, Gwen’s eyes caught sight of an old man standing right across the street. It was the very same trinket seller.

"Wait, it's him! Why did he move his stall all the way to the end of the market alley? Isn't it much busier over here?" Gwen murmured.

She quickly paid for her food and rushed across the street to approach the old man selling gold combs.

"Sir! How long have you been setting up down here?" Gwen asked.

"Since I felt like moving," the old man replied calmly.

"Isn't it busier inside the market?"

"It is busy wherever I wish it to be. And if I wish for my stall to be quiet, even the heart of the market will stand empty."

Gwen knit her brows, but she no longer cared where he chose to set up shop. Her mind was fixed on one thing.

"Sir, I’ve become rich!"

"Yes, I know."

"Sir, can I return to my husband once I’ve amassed enough wealth?"

The old merchant remained quiet for a moment. "You are granted only three chances to use that comb. If you truly wish to return to your old life, simply comb your hair in front of the mirror in your former home. You will return to being the wife of your original husband."

"Really, Sir? Is it truly that simple?"

The old man nodded slowly.

"Remember, there are only three chances to alter the course of your life."

"Is there a time limit?" Gwen inquired.

"For the first two uses, there is no time limit, use them whenever you choose. But for the final use, it must be done no later than two months after you use the comb for the second time," the old man explained.

"Two months? Hm, alright. Before I use the comb a second time, I’ll make sure to gather a massive fortune first, Sir! Thank you for the answer!"

Gwen walked away with a light heart. She was determined to complete all her goals before returning to Hans’s arms. Little did she know, her plans might collide with unforeseen twists, and she could easily get trapped in her own game.

*

Meanwhile, back at Hans’s house, Sienna was perplexed to see Hans returning with a mountain of beef stew takeout.

"Darling, this is your favorite beef stew! Why the stunned face?" Hans handed her the fragrant parcels given by Gwen.

"Why did you buy so much?" Sienna asked, confused.

"I ran into Sienna at the market. She was eating at the stew stall and bought these for us. She mentioned that we both love beef stew," Hans explained.

'We? I don't care for rich, heavy meat stews like this. I prefer fresh greens and vegetables,' Sienna thought silently.

"Well, thank goodness then!" Sienna accepted the food with a cheerful smile to keep Hans happy.

"I’m heading back to work now, darling," Hans said, pressing a gentle kiss onto Sienna’s forehead.

From a distance, Gwen caught sight of the tender gesture. A sharp, hollow ache blossomed in the quietest corner of her heart.