Red ✔

Uncomfortable

Snap!

I put a coin into the slot and pull the cart’s chain out. I steadily stroll the cart into the grocery store. Dad and Alex are plopping plums in a plastic bag. I park beside them, so they can crop the bag in the cart. “What’s next on the list?” Alex asks Dad.

Dad peeks at his grocery flyer. “Grapes. They are re $2.75 off.”

I push the cart to the grape section. They store the grapes in the freezer, which are held in these air-tight plastic bags.  Some cold mist drifts over the grapes. The mist gives me a chill.

My dad picks a grape from the stem. He wipes it against his shirt and pops it in his mouth. My brother copies him.

“Sweet!” Alex comments.

I do not like trying food if they are not cooked or washed with clean water. The clean freak I am, I do not want to get sick, so I try to limit my germs and be eco-friendly at the same time—which is almost physically impossible. I take medium showers and use as little as shampoo and body wash as possible. I stay away from puddles and soggy fields. I pre-wash the dishes. That way, it will take a bit more time but saves some time also because the grime will be easier to wipe away with pre-washing.  When opening the public doors, instead of wasting electricity by pressing the Handicap button and avoiding the germs on the handle, I will either use my shirt sleeve to pull it or my back to push it. To save the world, we all have to make sacrifices, even if it is a little thing. 

We continue to gather groceries in the cart. It is almost to the brim after ten minutes.

“I think that is enough,” I say, rescuing the chocolate chips from creating a deliciously chocolate chip explosion.

“I think so, too, sweetheart,” my father responds with a smile.

He pays the cahier with his Debit card. They are exchanging glances. Almost as if, they are flirting. The cashier giggles and rips the receipt off the black box, still staring at my dad. “Here is your receipt. Thanks for coming.”

“It is nice to see you...” He peeks at her nametag. “Ellie.” They laugh hysterically.

I back away. I do not find any of that funny, but does he like her? No, he cannot. No one can replace Mom. He will not date other people, right? Do you laugh at stupid things when you like someone?  I am out of my mind!

Ellie slides to him a slip of paper—probably her number. She winks at him. EW! Dad shoves it in his pocket while winking at her also. Double EW!! Once again, she giggles annoyingly.

We walk out of the store. “I still got it,” he says proudly, patting his pocket with the number.

“You can do so much better.” I roll my eyes.

“I know, she is way too young for me.” He takes out the paper and throws it in the nearest trashcan. 

His gesture makes me more relaxes, so he does not have any feelings for her.  It was probably a test of some kind. Or coax, so we do not have to pay for our groceries.  Yeah right! My dad is not that clever. 

“That is for sure,” Alex grumbles.  I am glad I am not the only one that is bothered by Dad flirting with some University student.  Okay, I am exaggerating, but she is pretty young. 

We climb into the car. Dad starts up the engines and reverses so the car leaves the parking spot. Then, we are off. No one speaks for the entire ride.  Only the sound of vehicles passing by us and the wind blowing against our car. The car is driving toward a very wealthy neighborhood. As the car travels along, I feel like the houses continue growing and we are turning into tiny humans.  Up in front, there are three mansions surrounding a circular hedge. Dad halts in front of house with a sign saying 102 in bright red dotted lights.