Marigold

5.

(Blood warning)

It was Albany's idea to go to Florida during the summer. She had thought of it when staring at a picture of her dad and her mom together looking into the horizon from the beach. Their hands were linked together. She thought it'd be a great idea to recreate that photo with the current additions in the family.

She also wanted to feel the sensation of sand between her toes, and the hot summer sun shining down on her as the small ocean waves crashed against her small frame. She wanted to see the sun set with her brother. She wanted to stay in a beach house and hear the sound of fish splashing against water at night. She wanted to hear the gentle waves crashing against the shore at night, and the night full of stars.

The drive there would take about 2 days, including all their basic necessities they would need to stop for every once in a while for.

Albany's Dad had put a small orange marigold in a tiny flower pot at the front of the car. It added a nice touch to the car, and it made Albany smile every time she looked at it. It's orange and yellow petals were bright and vibrant.

"Dad, it'll die if you put it there for so long."

Albany's Dad only grinned.

"Don't worry, it'll wait."

  Albany turned her head from the passenger seat to look back at Albany and nodded.

  She raised an eyebrow at her mom and looks back at her dad again.

"Are you sure?"

Albany's Dad looked more sure than she ever saw him, and grinned at her. She felt reassured, and grinned back.

"I'm sure. I promise."

**

Two hours later, Albany got impatient. It felt like ten hours to her already, and she couldn't stop fidgeting in her seat with a big smile in her face from how excited she was.

"Mom, how long until we get there?"

"It's only been 2 hours, Aly."

"You didn't answer my question." Albany pouted, and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm not sure you would be happy with the answer."

  Albany starts to grow irritated.

  "I-if you don't tell me, I'll cancel this trip and drive back MYSELF."

  Albany's mom whistles at her.

  "You're too short to reach the brakes, Aly."

  She ignores the comment and furrows her brows together.

  "Just answer the question!"

  "Take a chill pill, Aly." Albany's dad takes one hand off the wheel and pretends to drop a pill into his mouth.

  "Twenty three more hours." Her mom and dad both speak at the same time, and look at each other, both squinting their eyes.