Under The Wildflowers | ONC 2024

Chapter 5.

Dominic left the antique shop with no answers.

Of course, Mr. Goldman didn't recognize the bracelet nor remember who he had sold it to, an unsurprising outcome given his old age.

Similarly, Key's fragmented memories offered no help either.

Dominic muttered about their wasted efforts as he opened his van door.

"I wish I could remember more," Key's voice rang with regret.

Before Dominic could respond, Crystal's urgent voice pierced through the antique shop's door, calling out as she hastily sprinted toward him.

"I know this is sudden but Drew is having this party at his house tonight. He invited me so I was wondering-"

"No," Dominic interrupted her quickly.

He was already overwhelmed with his current situation. He had no appetite for fraternizing with old schoolmates about things that didn't even matter anymore.

"If you don't say yes to that girl right now!" Key exclaimed from the passenger seat.

Celia, with a twinkle of excitement, chimed in, "I would absolutely love to go to a party! It's been forever."

Caught in the hopeful gaze of his friends, Dominic found it difficult to resist. He hesitated, and as Crystal followed his gaze to the van, worry etched across her features.

"I'll think about it," he finally conceded, sliding into the driver's seat.

"I'll take it!" Crystal said brightly, shutting the door for him.

As Dominic glanced in his rearview mirror while pulling away from the street corner, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face as he thought he caught sight of his grandfather's truck a few cars behind him.

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Dominic watched as Celia and Key rummaged through his drawers in search of an outfit for the party.

Lying across his bed, his gaze remained fixed on the ceiling. Outfit after outfit cascaded onto him as the two deliberated over his collection.

Though he remained disinterested, still contemplating whether or not to attend, Celia and Key had already decided for him.

Amidst the grief he felt over losing his parents, a suffocating sense of guilt gripped Dominic at the mere thought of attending a party instead of mourning.
The idea of betraying his parents' memories loomed heavily in his mind, making the idea of seeking enjoyment so soon after their passing rather unsettling.

What would they think of him? What would everyone think of him?

In just a fortnight, his life had careened into the realms of insanity. He had somehow allowed himself to be swayed by the counsel of two complete strangers—one of whom had even claimed to be a ghost.  This marked a departure from the once orderly fabric of his existence, a descent into madness he could never have anticipated.

Celia's sharp call jolted him back to reality. "Are you listening?" she demanded. "I said this is perfect!"

Emerging from the heap of clothes that had engulfed him, he examined the denim jacket and matching pants she held.

"With this underneath," Key added, displaying a baby blue t-shirt.

"What about shoes?" Dominic ventured, as though the omission of footwear might shield him from going.

"Already on it!" Celia declared, striding towards the closet to retrieve a pair of white sneakers he scarcely recalled owning.

"I don't want to go, guys," Dominic admitted, his face contorting as he struggled to hold back tears. "I'm not supposed to be having fun. My mom and dad wouldn't-" his voice faltered.