𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

7 | Butterflies

EVER SINCE THE MOVIES, Lottie had gone quietly about her life, willing herself to move on. This had been going on for the past couple of days. However, despite all efforts, Lottie knew the truth: she was still itching for a distraction - anything - because it was all she could think about. 

After a sigh, Lottie tried to focus again as she flipped through TV channels. Minutes later, she had found a movie called 'Edge of Tomorrow'. A few more and she had turned the TV off, giving up. 

It was then that she admitted it to herself. She needed a distraction. More specifically, she needed company; someone to rant to. 

As if on cue, her phone rang to life. Lottie pulled it out from her pocket, then tapped a foot, waiting. When it went silent, she let out a breath. Why was this always so hard?

However, unlike all the other times, there was a voicemail. "Hey, uh, Lottie? I've been trying to reach you since the movies and... I wanted to apologize. My mother is just really ill, so I had to go. I hope you understand. Please call me back?" 

When it beeped, then silenced, Lottie pursed her lips. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't; not after that night. While he was the good son, putting his mother first, she was trying to avoid her own sick relative at all costs. Joseph would only remind her of that. 

Of course, she mused, I could always try talking to Penny. Then she played with the leathered bracelet, smiling softly. Over the years, her neighbor had worn this bracelet, always fidgeting with it, whether it be night or day. It wasn't until their heart-to-heart that she knew why. This leathered bracelet was her deceased daughter's.

Silvia, she recalled. That was her name. 

Moments later, though, Lottie stood, finally trudging to her bedroom. It was time to get ready for work. 

Lottie could only hope that Joseph would get the message and leave her alone. 

-

Head down, Lottie scrubbed a table in the far back, occasionally glancing at the clock. It was now 2:03 pm, two hours later, and so far he was minding his own business. But she had to be there until seven. From time to time, she'd peer his way and they'd catch eyes, but it never lasted long. 

She knew this wouldn't last forever. 

When break time had finally come, she finished the last toilet, then emerged from the woman's bathroom. Then, after returning the equipment, she stepped outside and rounded the building. This was the place where she and Joseph had spoken that one day. 

As Lottie slid down, back to building, she sighed. It was now 3:00, so she was going to savor her ten minutes. Before long, though, she would hear footsteps and stiffen. 

"Hey, Lottie." It was only her co-worker, Dave, cigarette to mouth. "You want a whiff?"

She just held up a hand, dismissing him. "No, I'm not one for drugs."

The man, easily six-feet, gave a lingering look but remained silent. Moments later, he'd tuck his greying hair behind his ears. "Sometimes I wonder if I should just shave it all off."

"Huh?"

"My hair."

"Why?"

"It's long and annoying," he deadpanned. 

"Right." Biting her lip, Lottie fidgeted with the bracelet. "Dave?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to go somewhere?"