This was behind a glass case.
The shopkeeper unlocked it and handed her a sealed package containing a small, curved blade.
"Completely sterile." the shopkeeper said. "Single use only. For the umbilical cord."
Lin Yue stared at the package.
Something about holding it made the whole situation feel more real.
Uriel noticed her hesitation. He stepped closer and spoke quietly. "It is a standard medical tool. Perfectly safe. The midwives will know exactly how to use it. You will not have to touch it yourself."
She nodded and added it to the basket, tapping her wrist-comm.
Item six: Two binding strips.
These were small, elastic bands in sterile packaging. The shopkeeper explained they were for securing the cord after cutting. Lin Yue nodded, added them to the basket, and tapped her wrist-comm.
Item seven: One loose comfortable change of clothes.
