Herself.
I should probably help her. I should say something casual. Something clean. Something that puts the fake back where it belongs.
Instead, I pick up the Dark Roast Reserve and place it in the cart.
"Good choice."
Sadie turns to me slowly.
"You are not helping."
"I never claimed to be good at this."
"At shopping?"
"At being normal."
That stops her.
Only for a second. But long enough.
Her expression softens in a way I feel somewhere behind my ribs.
Then Jillie pipes up.
"It's okay. Mommy isn't normal before coffee either."
Sadie points at her. "You are losing marshmallow penguins."
"I withdraw the comment."
Mrs. Bellamy sighs happily.
"Such a lovely little family argument."
Sadie makes a sound that might be a prayer for patience.
I decide it is time to move before anyone starts discussing flowers.
By the time we reach checkout, the cart looks like three separate households fought and nobody won.
Sadie's practical groceries fill most of it. Jillie's marshmallow penguins sit wedged near the top. My coffee, eggs, and a loaf of bread I am no longer allowed to touch are tucked in the corner.
Somehow, during the chaos, my sad little errand merged into theirs.
No one discusses this.
Everyone in line notices. Especially the cashier. Her name tag says Margo. Her expression says she has been waiting her entire life for this moment.
"Find everything okay?" she asks.
"Yes," Sadie says quickly.
"Eventually," I add.
Sadie shoots me with a warning look.
Jillie climbs onto the little bagging platform before Sadie catches her by the coat.
