"It would be a fortunate turn of events for them. They would have their debts forgiven, receive a regular supply of fish, and gain the pretext of being the in-laws of the Stear, which would deter anyone from daring to cross them. Why don't they realize that such benefits are merely temporary?"

With enough leverage to obtain control over the Blast Street, Stear was no ordinary individual. He was determined to achieve his own objectives, without engaging in actions that would bring him harm. His leniency in not pressuring Marshall for his debt and patiently waiting had its purpose.

This is a trap. The noose tightened around her neck, the very neck that could have escaped freely. Now, Stear had gained the authority to pursue her.

Momentarily plagued by fear, but as the day broke, the thought of fleeing became firmly established in her mind.

Laila, while adapting to the volatile moods of Delma and Marshall, secretly devised a plan. The escape routes of the fleeing women were too straightforward, making it easy for Sturrs' gang to track them. Their lack of experience and ignorance prevented them from finding any alternative methods.

They had to find a different path. Laila decided to utilize a freight train that had been in operation for several years. She would somehow make her way back to the train and disembark at the terminal. From there, she would walk, take another form of transportation, and continue on foot until she found a place to settle. She contemplated taking up a servant's position or working as a clerk in a shop in a place where her heart could find solace. Even if all her efforts were in vain and she was discovered, it was better than giving up without even attempting.

Impatient as she was, time seemed to pass slowly for her. The day before her departure, Laila secretly entered Delma's room and opened the worn-out wardrobe. There was something she needed to take with her. It was the swaddling cloth in which Laila had wrapped the baby when she was discovered. Delma had sold the larger, more valuable outer wrap, but she had not disposed of the inner one. Laila had tucked it away in a corner. Seeing the crumpled fabric, she felt relieved and picked it up. Carefully tracing the embroidered patterns with her hand, she delicately folded it and placed it in her embrace. It wasn't for the sake of clinging to any hope of finding her biological parents. It was simply because this was her one and only tangible connection to her own existence.

“After gathering my belongings, my restless heart finally calmed down. Though I had resolved to escape to the edge of the cliff, that gentle and serene woman trembled with fear and anxiety throughout.”

Now, all the preparations are complete.

The next morning, Laila placed five shillings in the tin on the shelf. It appeared hidden deep within, yet it could be found if one searched diligently. True to form, when Laila returned in the evening after selling fish, the entire house was in disarray, and the money had vanished.

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"Damn swindler!" Delma exclaimed, but Laila, strangely enough, felt relieved. The gambler she had dealt with would not be back until at least tomorrow morning.

Dressed in different clothes, Laila knocked on Delma's door and opened it.

"Please rest first, Mother. I'll be going to Amber's for a while," she said.

"Why on earth are you going there again!"

Delma, who had spent the whole day working and felt exhausted, responded with an irritated tone, only turning her head. The scales from the fish Laila had been selling stuck to the bedsheet, still clinging to her clothes. It was a common occurrence. No matter how much Laila cleaned the house and washed herself, the stench of their lives had permeated everything.

"Tomorrow is the day we go to church. The priest would appreciate it if I brought some flowers," Laila explained.

"Hmph. Pointless."

Delma snorted, but her face showed a reluctant agreement.

"I'll be back soon."

"Don't waste time and come back quickly to sleep early. You'll be working alone tomorrow."

After Delma grumbled those words, she closed her eyes.

"Yes," Laila replied quietly and closed the door.

The morrow marked a day when the cathedral provided free meals for the destitute. Though one could partake in a satisfactory luncheon and supper, attending the worship service was a requisite. Marshall, indifferent to such nourishment, favored brawls instead. However, Delma differed in disposition. She spent her morning at the cathedral partaking in the distributed sustenance and even joined the mass, despite her lack of interest. Thus, tonight presented an opportunity. Delma, arising in the morning, would assume that Laila had gone to work, unaware of her absence.

Laila emerged from the door, visibly tense. The autumnal chill swept in, causing her body to involuntarily tremble. Her worn and thin cloak offered little respite from the cold. She needed to settle down and find work before winter arrived. Carrying the bag she had concealed in front of her house, Laila ventured into the dimly lit alleyways.

The dark alleyway lay enveloped in the deepening darkness, with dry leaves rustling about. Even at this hour, the area was usually deserted, but today an unusually frigid atmosphere hung in the air. Perhaps it was merely a consequence of her own mood.

Attempting to console herself, Laila stood before Amber's flower shop. Dim light seeped out from inside. She opened the door, expecting Amber to be waiting for her.

"Amber?"

Laila called out softly as she stepped inside.

"Amber? It's me. Where are you?"

Disheartened by the unpleasant silence, Laila called out to Amber again.

"Laila."