BLUEPRINTS || Billie Eilish

Thank you

Kai sat in the passenger seat, her eyes distant as she stared out the car window. The sunlight bounced off the crowded parking lot, reflecting her growing impatience as John circled for what felt like the tenth time, searching for an empty spot. The store was unusually busy, families and shoppers darting between cars like ants in a disrupted line. The radio played faintly in the background, but neither of them paid attention to it. The silence between them stretched, uncomfortable and heavy, like a dense fog that neither seemed willing to break.

"You know you could just drop me off at the front, right?" Kai muttered, her voice clipped, side-eyeing John with a mix of annoyance and impatience.

John gave her a quick glance but didn't bite. "I'd rather we go in together, so we don't get separated," he said, still driving slowly, scanning for a vacant spot. His tone was casual, but Kai could hear the underlying tension, the forced attempt to sound calm despite the growing awkwardness between them.

Kai rolled her eyes, pulling out her phone with a huff. She opened her notes app, scanning the list she'd written earlier for what Nicky had asked her to pick up. Bananas, blueberries, juice—basic stuff, but essentials for her brother.

Finally, John found a parking spot, though it was far from the store entrance. The car had barely come to a full stop before Kai unclicked her seatbelt and swung open the door. The engine was still running as she slammed the door shut, not bothering to wait for John. She walked briskly toward the store, her shoes clicking on the pavement, her focus only on getting this over with.

The automatic doors slid open, and a rush of cool air hit her as she grabbed a cart from the entrance. The store was buzzing with people, the sound of chatter and squeaky carts filling the air, but Kai moved with purpose, heading straight for the produce section. She wasn't here to browse; she just wanted to get what she needed and leave.

Her eyes skimmed her list, and she made a beeline for the bananas. She grabbed a bunch that looked ripe enough, tossing them into the cart without much thought before moving on to the blueberries. She lifted a few containers, turning them over in her hands to inspect the fruit inside, checking for any signs of mold or bruising. After a minute, she settled on one that looked fresh enough and added it to her cart.

Just as she was about to move on, she saw John walking toward her, slightly out of breath, as if he'd been jogging to catch up. "So, uh, what exactly are you getting?" he asked, trying to sound casual, though it was clear he was already uncomfortable.

"Just things Nicky asked for," Kai replied, her voice flat as she turned her cart and headed towards the isles, her steps quick and determined. She didn't feel like explaining further.

John followed close behind, clearly trying to make small talk. "You're leaving tonight for that show thing, right? Must be exciting."

Kai sighed, not slowing her pace. "I guess," she muttered, her eyes scanning the shelves for Nicky's favorite juice. She grabbed a case and tossed it into the bottom of the cart with more force than necessary. "I wish I could stay with him, but I can't just put everything on hold." Her voice carried a sharp edge, the bitterness evident.

John gave her a sympathetic look. "He'll be fine. Your mom and I are taking time off work to be with him. It's not like he's going to be alone."

Kai's grip tightened on the cart handle. "Mom was struggling earlier today. She had to call me to calm him down. That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence," she said, her voice sharp. She turned into the tea aisle, scanning the shelves for the peppermint tea Nicky's doctor had recommended.

"Your mom's doing her best," John said, his tone softening as he tried to defend her. "She works a lot, but she's learning how to handle things. You've got to give her some credit."