Fragments of Us

Chapter Thirty-Two: Sunsets

The sunlight crept through the curtains of Milo’s bedroom, its warmth brushing against his face. He stirred, groaning as he turned over, hoping to steal a few more minutes of sleep. But just as he began to drift off, a knock came at the door.

   “Milo, open up! I have something to show you!” Lila’s voice rang out, loud and persistent.

Milo groaned again, throwing the blanket over his head. “Go away, Lila,” he mumbled.

The door creaked open, and Lila stepped in uninvited. “Nope, you’re not getting out of this,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement.

Reluctantly, Milo sat up, his hair a mess and his eyes half-closed. “What now?” he asked groggily.

Lila held up a hanger draped in plastic, revealing a pastel floral dress with delicate lace details along the hem. “Look at this beauty!” she exclaimed, twirling the hanger in her hand.

Milo blinked, rubbing his eyes to get a better look. “It’s... nice,” he said, still trying to wake up.

   “Nice? It’s gorgeous! Look at the pattern, the flow! This is the perfect dress for summer dinners,” Lila gushed, holding it up to herself and spinning around.

Milo tilted his head, a small smile forming on his lips. “Okay, I’ll admit it—it’s beautiful. It suits you.”

Lila beamed. “Finally, some appreciation for my fashion sense!” She paused, giving him a once-over. “You could use a little help yourself, though. Maybe I should pick something out for you next time.”

   “Pass,” Milo said, chuckling as he got out of bed.

Later that morning, Milo was in the kitchen nursing a glass of water when Richard walked in, wearing his usual easygoing smile.

   “I had an idea,” Richard said, grabbing a cup of coffee.

   “What kind of idea?” Milo asked, leaning against the counter.

   “I was thinking we could have a barbecue tonight,” Richard said, his eyes lighting up. “Set up a nice table in the backyard, grill some meat, and just enjoy the evening as a family.”

   “Sounds good to me,” Milo said, shrugging.

   “I’m in!” Lila said, popping her head into the kitchen. “But only if I can wear my new dress.”

Richard laughed. “Wear whatever you want, kiddo. Just help me convince Milo to go grocery shopping with you.”

Lila smirked. “Oh, I don’t need to convince him. He’s coming whether he likes it or not.”

***

The mall was buzzing with activity when Milo and Lila arrived, pushing a cart through the aisles of the grocery store.

   “Okay, we need bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for the skewers,” Lila said, scanning the produce section.

   “Why zucchini? No one actually likes zucchini,” Milo argued, picking up a pack of mushrooms instead.

   “You can’t have skewers without zucchini. It’s, like, a rule,” Lila said, rolling her eyes as she grabbed a few.

   “Fine, but I’m vetoing pineapple,” Milo said firmly.

   “Excuse me?” Lila gasped, clutching a can of pineapple rings dramatically. “Pineapple is essential. What’s a barbecue without it?”

   “A barbecue that makes sense,” Milo quipped, trying to snatch the can from her hands.