Soul's new home

Prologue

As I pushed open the door, the cheerful jingle of the store's bell echoed, catching the attention of curious shoppers.

For a brief moment, a dozen eyes turned toward me before their head was quickly back down to their tasks.

Right. I'm not her anymore. I moved past the crowd, grabbing a basket before throwing in colorful fruits and several vegetables that would horrify my sister.

As I strolled through the aisles with my basket full of fresh products and pantry staples, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread enveloped me in the bakery section.

Looking at my overflowing basket, I felt a pang of regret for not planning my selections better.

Before my mind could fully process what I was doing, I reached for the golden-brown loaf of banana bread nestled in my basket—my absolute favorite.

With a reluctant sigh, I returned it to the neat rows of other banana loaves, their moist surfaces glistening under the store lights.

My fingers lazily drifted over the shelves until they latched onto a tray of vibrant red velvet cookies instead,

Without a second thought, I tossed the tray into my basket and turned to join the line snaking toward the cash register.

Her favorite flavor is red velvet.

The cash register cast me a sympathetic glance when she scanned my items almost as if we were sharing the same burden,

my eyes tracked her movements and I noticed how her gaze lingered a bit longer on the tray of red velvet cookies.

"Your groceries are on me today," she announced and a few heads were turned in my direction, I stammered.

"No that's fine." She nodded understanding when I handed her some cash.

"Why do you love red velvet so much?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the cookie's rich color that was almost hypnotic against the backdrop of the kitchen. The one that Leaina had just handed me. She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia, and replied "Because it was mom's favorite."

Her voice had carried a hint of longing, wrapping around her words like the sweet aroma of the cookie that filled the air.

I suddenly wish I just stayed home.

"Here's your change sweetie." the cash register handed me a mound of coins and a few dropped from my grasp during the exchange.

"Sorry," I let out a soft apology, the words barely escaping my lips as I turned and made my way down the narrow aisle to retrieve the scattered coins.

I crouched down to the cold, tiled floor, my fingers brushing against a glinting penny, a couple of tarnished nickels, and a lone dime that shone with a faint sheen.

My hand grabbed the bags of assorted goods and walked down to the exit door.

There are moments when I find myself lost in thought, questioning Lea's choices that drew her away from me.

I wonder why she urged me to switch places when in the end it was her that still managed to somehow live. In a different body.

It feels wrong to wear her skin when I am Tanny. Not Lea.

I feel trapped in this burden, in this body that isn't mine. I don't even have a taste for red velvet.

I shouldn't have carried out like this, not when the choices were handed to me with no options. No. I'M NOT LEA.