Back at the farm

Today hurt less than yesterday, but my face still stings where the mark is. I went back to the market because my tummy was growling, and I had to be sneaky. People look at me different now, they shoo me away, but I managed to get some food.
 
Then, this man from the cart yesterday, he asked me for some food. He looked really hungry, like he hadn't eaten in forever. He told me his story, how everything's been bad since the blackening. It made my heart feel heavy, so I gave him some of my food. It felt good to help.
 
I got enough for a few days, and with Dunkin and the shiny stone, I thought we could finally get through the sewer. The thieves weren’t fixing the building when I got there, so I snuck in. But one of them caught me! I ran to the basement and into the sewer before he could grab me. He followed me, though, asking what I was doing.
 
I told him I was going home, and he was all surprised. He kept asking questions, and I told him about the river outside the city. He decided to follow me, I guess.
 
The sewer was gross and smelly, but the water had to go somewhere, right? And it did – it led us right out of the city. The man followed me all the way to the farm. It’s empty and quiet here, and Daddy’s grave is all covered in grass.
 
I feel so tired, so I'm going to sleep for a bit. Dunkin’s here, and even the thief seems okay. He’s just sitting there, not being mean or anything. Maybe he just needed to get out, too. When I wake up, I'll find Daddy’s sword and dagger. But for now, I need rest.