My life

Odd smell

We finally got to the restaurant my little sister had picked out. For a seven-year-old, she had strange taste in food. She didn't care much for kid meals. She liked "grown-up" food, and she had proudly chosen a buffet like it was something special. Seeing her excited about it almost made me smile.

Almost.

Before we even went inside, my father pulled me aside and made himself very clear. I was only allowed the bare minimum. If he saw too much food on my plate, I would regret it later. His voice was calm when he said it, which somehow made it worse. I nodded and promised, even though my stomach had already been hurting for hours.

We got seated, and as soon as everyone else stood up to get food, I sat back down at the table. I was told to watch their purses while they were gone. I stayed still, hands folded in my lap, trying not to draw attention to myself.

My cousin stayed behind with me.

I wished he wouldn't.

The restaurant was crowded and loud, filled with the constant clatter of plates and voices overlapping. People moved in and out nonstop, bodies passing so often that you could barely see the front door anymore. I felt trapped in the noise, trapped in the chair, trapped with him sitting too close.

Then I smelled something.

It was warm and comforting, something I didn't expect to find in a place like this. It smelled like clean woods and cinnamon, like fresh air and safety mixed together. It reminded me of a really good candle, the kind that makes you feel calm without knowing why. The smell wrapped around me, and for a moment, my chest loosened. I felt... okay.

I didn't understand why, but it made me happy.

I slowly stood up, pretending to stretch, trying to figure out where it was coming from. I looked around carefully, scanning the room without making it obvious. I wanted to know what it was, what made it smell like that. Not for me, of course. I already knew my father would never let me buy something like that. But maybe, just maybe, I could convince him to get it for my sister. She deserved nice things.

After a few minutes of searching, I couldn't find the source. The smell faded into the background, swallowed by the noise and heat of the restaurant. I felt that small sense of comfort slip away with it.

My family still wasn't back yet.

I sat down again, my stomach twisting, my thoughts racing. I reminded myself to be careful. To take only what I was allowed. To not give him a reason.

When they finally returned, it was time for me to get food.

I took a deep breath and stood up, already planning exactly how little I would put on my plate.

Because even eating felt like something I could be punished for.