Now, for the next step.
She had the boys pour the thick, sticky clay-water mixture into the leaf-lined hole.
The plan?
Let the heavier rocks and sand sink to the bottom.
Pour the cleaner clay-water mixture into the next hole.
Let it settle overnight.
Tomorrow, drain the excess water and collect the smooth, usable clay.
Genius, right?
Isabella wiped her hands on her animal-hide dress and admired her work.
Was it scientifically correct? She had no clue.
Did it look impressive? Absolutely.
Once everything was set up, the boys hesitated, shifting awkwardly again.
"Um… so," the taller one said, rubbing his nose, "do you, uh, need anything else?"
Isabella, who was currently pretending to be a clay expert, waved them off. "No, no. That's all for today."
They nodded but didn't immediately leave.
Instead, as they walked away, she caught snippets of their hushed conversation.
"She's really something, huh?"
"Yeah… weird, but kinda cool."
"And pretty."
"Obviously."
