That terrible moment

Because then they try to sell you something. Flashback to long long ago.... You're standing on a busy street, in the midst of a Persian bazaar. Dogs are barking, carts are rolling, merchants are hawking their wares, shouting above the din. The spicy scent of paprika and cayenne fills the hot air. You are merely a servant, sent to buy stock for the kitchens. You only have enough currency to buy what you need. Suddenly, one of the merchants looks you deep in the eyes. You try to run, but it's too late. The merchant runs towards you, holding a large, moist basket. He begins to shout at you in a foreign language, one you have never heard in your life. He pulls a long, slimy eel from the basket, a creature you have never seen before. He begins to wave the eel in wild gestures, pantomiming various uses for the eel, while still shouting in the same language. You do not know what he is doing or what he is saying. He holds up three fingers, as if expecting you to buy the eel. You cannot.

This is beautiful. Amazing writing!