"DONT LET IT OUT''
The ride is quiet. Aunt Serena hums softly to whatever classical piece is playing from the speakers. I sit in the back, hands folded neatly, pretending not to think too hard about Cade.
We stop on the way at a perfume store.Aunt serena parks the car and tell me to wait in the car.
I see her walking in the store gracefully. I look at my lap,I feel like i should cry,my mother died and i feel like i didn't mourn enough,its not like mourning is going to bring her back but still.Aunt Serena looks like mom and speaks like mom,it just fills a part in there. I don't know how to describe it.
After what it feels like an eternity she returns back in the car and royal blue small shopping bag on the passenger seat,she starts the car without a word and i ask''Is this a gift?''
She smiles and starts driving."Yes,for your uncle."
"Oh that's nice,any special occasion?''
"Hmm not really,just hope he likes it."
"I'm sure he will."Of course just how they cling to each other says it all.
The grocery store isn't far, just a small upscale market nestled between quiet streets and brick storefronts with chalkboard signs. Aunt Serena parks neatly, checks her reflection in the rearview mirror, and steps out.
I follow, eyes scanning the parking lot—just a few cars, a couple of old women talking by the florals outside.
Inside, the store is too bright. Clean and smells well nice. The scent of citrus and bleach hangs in the air.
Aunt Serena grabs a basket and starts walking aisle by aisle,putting in the stuff in the list.
I trail behind.
"Darling, would you go grab the yogurt? Plain Greek, the kind in the glass jar," she says over her shoulder.
I nod and slip away toward the refrigerated section. For a moment, it feels… normal. Cold air against my skin, humming freezers, soft instrumental music.
That's when I see it—
Cade.
He's holding a pack of gum and fiddling with a small coin in his hand. He looks up, sees me, and grins like no time has passed.
My feet move before my brain catches up. I step across the aisle.
"Cade?"
He smiles. "Hey, rich girl."
I snort. "That's bold of you, considering I stole two dollars for a butterfly."
He shrugs. "Worth it,you did not pay me though."
I glance around nervously. "You didn't pass by,What are you doing here?"
"Just grabbing stuff. I help my brother sometimes."
He tilts his head. "You look different."
I glance down at my pale dress and buttoned-up blouse. "Yeah. My aunt likes me dressed like a Victorian cupcake."
He laughs quietly. Then he leans in, more serious now.
"You still have the butterfly?"
"I do."
"Good," he says. "Don't let it out. Not yet."
"What do you mean?"
But before he can answer, I hear a voice behind me—smooth and sharp.
"Odessa?"
I turn to see Aunt Serena, standing at the end of the aisle, one eyebrow slightly raised. She's holding a basket and smiling, her eyes are locked on Cade.
He straightens instantly, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Coming!" I call too quickly.
Aunt Serena doesn't look at me. She's still looking at him. For a moment, something cold passes over her face. Then it's gone.
Cade nods once. "See you around, Odessa."
I hurry back to Aunt Serena's side, placing the yogurt in her basket.
"Who was that boy?" she asks lightly.
"I didn't know I was asking him about the yogurt " I lie.
"Hm."