English Version: Sands & Sparrow

21

"Margo, take off your shoes," Aveline suggested while sitting on the lawn, her legs tucked underneath her. She wore a simple sundress, her hair loose around her shoulders, catching the light from the nearby lampposts.

"Why are we here if the fireworks are on the other street?" Margo hesitated, her elegant posture and designer clothes looking out of place in the casual park setting. She allowed Aveline to remove her shoes, revealing perfectly manicured toes. Margo stood, undecided about sitting on the Bermuda grass, her toes curling slightly at the unfamiliar sensation.

"Join me." Aveline patted the spot next to her. "It's comfortable here. We can watch the fireworks, and it's less crowded than the other street. Let's relax and listen to the concert while watching." A smile beamed as she spoke to Margo, her eyes twinkling with excitement and affection.

Margo frowned slightly, her brow furrowing in that way Aveline found secretly endearing. But ultimately, she decided to sit on the lawn next to Aveline.

The park was bustling with life. Families spread out on picnic blankets, couples cuddled close, and groups of friends laughed and chatted. The scent of various street foods drifted over; a compelling mix of savory and sweet made Aveline's stomach rumble with hunger. Her eyes were drawn to a stall selling isaw at the corner, the sizzling sound and smoky aroma making her mouth water.

"Margo, have you ever tried street food?" Aveline asked, her tone curious and slightly mischievous.

"No," Margo replied, her voice carrying a hint of disdain mixed with curiosity.

"Do you want to try isaw?"

"What's that?" Margo looked puzzled, her eyebrow raising in question.

"You haven't tried it yet? Let's go buy some isaw." Aveline's excitement was noticeable, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of sharing the experience with Margo.

"I don't want to eat that," Margo's face crumpled again, her nose wrinkling slightly. Aveline half-smiled, her eyes still round and face relaxed upon hearing her complaint. It always happened this way: whenever Margo resisted, Aveline would insist, often pinching Margo's cheek. "Geesh, you're getting grumpy again. You haven't tried it yet. Let's go, Margo. I'll buy you isaw." She pinched the cheek and kissed it adoringly, feeling the soft skin under her lips.

Margo huffed and lifted an eyebrow, her eyes flashing with annoyance and amusement. "Why can't you take no for an answer?"

"Let's go, Margo. I promise it's worth it." Aveline masked her sadness with a pretense of happiness in her voice, offering a cheeky grin as she held Margo's hand firmly.

Margo stood, her movements graceful despite her reluctance. Aveline clung to her hand even more tightly, savoring each moment, memorizing every detail of their time together - the softness of Margo's skin, the slight callus on her thumb, the way her fingers curled around Aveline's.

They approached the street food stalls lined up along the way, the vendors calling out their wares in cheerful voices. The air was thick with the smell of grilling meat and spices. They bought isaw, the skewered intestines glistening with marinade, pork barbecue with its char-grilled aroma, and cold drinks beading with condensation in the warm evening air.

As they returned to their spot on the lawn, Aveline couldn't help but steal glances at Margo, noting the way the colorful lights from the food stalls played across her features. She wondered what Margo was thinking, hoping that perhaps, just perhaps, this simple experience might be breaking through Margo's usual reserve.

The park was alive with laughter and excited chatter as people gathered for the fireworks display. The air was thick with the scents of various street foods, creating an intoxicating aroma that floated through the warm evening air.