Chapter 5.

It was a Saturday morning just like any other, only the sun seemed to shine a little brighter, when the Larson family went to the village market to buy some vegetables. Mrs Larson carefully picked a big head of cabbage, she bought a bag of golden potatoes, four ripe tomatoes on the vine, two big stalks of celery and a whole bunch of baby carrots.
- Now we should buy some fresh herbs and then we will have everything that we need for a good vegetable soup. - Said Mrs Larson and went straight to Belinda's table.
- Oh Yes! - Thought Belinda to herself as she saw the happy family approaching her table. - Look at these four, so happy to be together on a warm sunny Saturday... I am going to sell them a little surprise here... - mumbled Belinda and rubbed her hands together. She didn't notice that Meg was carrying Stella in her arms.
- Let's get some of this parsley! - Said Mrs Larson. - Just look at these lavishly green bunches!
- Argh, Ruff, Ruff! - it was Stella's turn to speak now, the little dog knew who she was talking to. Animals can spot a witch in no time.
- What's wrong, dear? - asked Meg.
- Can we please have one bunch of parsley, one bunch of basil and who bunches of chives. - Said Mrs Larson.
- Ruff, Ruff, Ruff! - Stella was barking louder and tried to break free.
- A dog! It's a dog! - Yelled Belinda. - Take it away from me, I am afraid of dogs!
- I am so sorry. - Said Mrs Larson. - Our dog is very sweet though, and Meg is holding her very tight. Meg, please...
But it was too late. Stella broke free, jumped forward and bit the witch's right hand, grabbing the white glove with her teeth.
- You nasty little beast! Get away from me! - Screamed Belinda and she started to shake her hand.
Oops. Stella pulled the glove off Belinda's hand and everybody got to see that is was a witch's hand!
- It's a witch! - Screamed Meg.
- It's a witch! - Yelled some other little girl, who was standing nearby.
Someone's baby started crying, and soon the entire market was yelling: "Witch!"
Belinda tried running, but the way out was blocked by hundreds of people who scanded "Witch, Witch!" and pointed their fingers at her...