fantasia b.
the store smelled like oranges and cinnamon. one of those old school neighborhood grocery stores where the aisles were too tight, the carts squeaked, and everything felt just a little too warm inside.
amina walked beside me, rolling the cart with one hand, eyes scanning the produce like she was preparing for war. she wore a long tan coat, curls tucked into a knit cap, and a quiet smirk that hadn't left her mouth since we walked in.
"these avocados are disrespectful" she muttered, squeezing one gently, "rock hard. why are they even out here like this?"
i laughed, nudging her with my elbow, "don't start a protest in the fruit section"
"no promises" she leaned in, voice dropping, "if i see one more fake ripe tomato, i'm writing a letter."
i shook my head, biting back a smile. it felt good– this lightness. safe, even. her presence didn't press. it eased. like water finding its shape around me.
we moved past the apples, into the herbs. i reached for the cilantro while amina picked through a row of lemons, mumbling something about acid balance.
then–
"mommy!" a squeal. my heart jerked. i turned toward the sound and felt my stomach drop.
there they were.
taraji and bryce.
she was pushing him in the cart, holding slightly oversized, her edges soft and undone. bryce sat up front, cheeks round, curls wild, and one sock halfway off like always.
he was beaming at me– his little arms flapping.
my throat went tight, "hey, baby" i said softly, stepping closer without even thinking. his hands shot up, reaching for me. i leaned in, brushing my fingers over his curls, letting him hold my thumb.
and then my eyes met hers.
taraji.
still. watching. taking it all in.
amina came up beside me, placing a gentle hand at the small of my back.
"taraji" i said, quietly.
her jaw flexed once, "didn't expect to see you here"
"same" taraji's gaze darkened for just a second, then flicked to amina's hand on me, "this is amina" i said.
"hi" amina offered, steady and calm, "nice to meet you."
taraji stared at her. "you too"
the silence that followed wasn't cruel. it was loud though. full of memory, and mistakes, and all the things we never said.
bryce suddenly reached toward amina, curious. she smiled and offered her hand– and he dropped his dinosaur into her palm.
"thank you" she whispered, crouching a little, "you're so sweet."
taraji swallowed, "he don't usually warm up to folks like that." she said tightly.
"maybe he recognizes softness" i said. that landed. i watched her blink– once. twice. a quiet wave rising and falling between her eyes, "well" i said, lifting my basket, "we should finish up."
taraji nodded slowly, "right"
i leaned down, kissed bryce's forehead, "i love you big boy. ill see you monday" he clapped his hands, not fully understanding, but still smiling.
i turned with amina, the two of us walking down the aisle like nothing was chasing us, but i could still feel her eyes on my back.
still watching.
