What If Just...

20 Aiden

We go to the nearest burger joint, where I buy food and drinks: coke for me, berry smoothie for Vivian.

I want to take her to a place where I've only been once, a long time ago.

"Maybe there's some small park here, where we can sit on a bench?" asks the girl.

"No, I already know where to eat. It's really close, just a ten-minute walk."

She's wearing flats - I don't think she's tired.

We finally come to the mentioned place.

I hope nothing has been demolished yet.

"It...it looks like an amphitheater," Vivian exclaims.

"This is an open-air cinema. It works when it's warm and dark outside. Usually at the time when people in your world are already going to bed," I grin mockingly.

People here have to sit right on the wooden rows in the form of steps.

We don't climb too high, just go to the second one.

"Unfortunately, we have nothing to lay down", I comment bitterly.

"That's fine, it's pretty clean here," Vivian replies with enthusiasm.

We take out the supplies from the bags and, wishing each other to enjoy the meal, we begin to eat.

To break the awkward pause, I ask, "How do you like your veggie roll?"

Vivian doesn't answer until she chews.

"It's delicious," the girl hesitates, "Do you want to try it?"

I'm genuinely surprised by this offer. Will she really give me a bite of her food?

"No, thanks. They probably put their shitty soy sausage or God knows what else in here," I absolutely refuse.

"Are there vegetarian sausages?" sounds a surprised question.

"There is vegetarian anything," I smile indulgently.

We continue to devour food when Vivian utters, "I think you'd change your mind if you tried."

My patience is running thin, and I'm trying my best to keep my composure.

"No, I firmly believe this is not my story."

The girl starts to stretch out her hand with food in my direction and smile conspiratorially.

"Vivian, I'm not going to eat this," I say in a warning tone, moving aside.

She doesn't stop and keeps bringing the roll to my face, getting closer and closer.

I can barely restrain myself from swearing and being rude.

The only thing that remains for me in the fight against this cute monster is to show with all my appearance how disgusted I am.

Suddenly, a strikingly beautiful, gleeful laugh echoes throughout the entire space.

Vivian's laugh.

I open my eyes and watch in fascination as she sits very close with her head slightly thrown back.

I can't help but smile.

"You like mocking me, don't you?" I reproach her.

She calms down by wiping her eyes with her hand.

"You looked like a child who gets stuffed with the hated broccoli puree," she says, starting to laugh a little again - apparently remembering my expression.

"What monsters will feed a baby broccoli?" I ask indignantly.

"Those who care about its health, about the vitamins that come with food, I guess", comes the uncertain answer.