Running the bodega in the Heights with your brother, Usnavi, and younger cousin, Sonny, was.. actually fun.

It was only supposed to be temporary, but you're twenty-one now and still running the bodega, so I guess it's a tad bit more than temporary.

Laughing, dancing, and singing in Spanish in the bodega while stacking shelves and serving local customers. Everyone knew everyone in the Heights. It was like one massive family. The radio played a song from the counter while you stacked the freezers with cold beverages since it was hot outside.

Vanessa walked down to the bodega, ignoring every catcall she got from men and boys. Pathetic catcalls like: "yo, you looking fine, girl. Wanna go back to mine?" No one ever actually bothered to put effort into asking someone out anymore. Besides, her eyes were on Usnavi' sister; you. So she made sure that every lunch break she got from working at the salon, she'd take it right there at your bodega.

The bell rang at the door, twinkling to let the three of you know that someone was coming in. No doubt it was Vanessa.