you were pretty sure the grocery cart was about to explode. boxes, bags, and a lopsided bouquet of flowers teetered near the edge, threatening to slide off with every step you took. you pushed it carefully behind renee, the front wheels swiveling like they had a mind of their own but renee had not slowed down

she stood a few feet ahead in the pasta aisle, squinting at the shelves like she was decoding ancient scrolls. she tapped her lip with her finger with her eyes darting between penne and rigatoni, clearly deep in battle with a life altering decision

"we already have pasta" you called out, trying to keep the tired edge out of your voice

"but we dont have this kind" she said, holding up a package "this ones got like.. little ridges. better for sauce"

you sighed and nudged the cart forward. your arms ached from steering the overloaded thing and your legs were slightly sore from walking aisle after aisle. you had stopped looking at your phone twenty minutes ago, somewhere between cereal and pickles. at first the air conditioning was a relief but now it just felt cold on your ankles. you didnt complain though.

instead you rested your chin on the cart handle as renee disappeared around the corner, her blonde hair swaying behind her. you smiled despite yourself

dating renee meant things like this. spontaneous shopping trips that started with 'lets just get a few things' and ended with your cart looking like you were preparing for the apocalypse in style. it meant letting her wander and watching her light up over fancy honey or imported olives even when you felt like collapsing into the freezer section and making a bed out of frozen peas

you turned the corner and found her crouched in front of a wall of canned foods

"babe" you said softly "we could open a mini mart at this point"

she looked up at you with a cheeky grin "thats the dream isnt it?"

you raised an eyebrow "okay maybe not the dream" she admitted, standing up with a can of chickpeas in each hand "but imagine the dinner well make. itll be worth it"

you smiled and leaned the weight of your tired body against the cart "i believe you. i just hope dinners in the next three hours. i think im fading"

she laughed and walked over, looping her arm through yours as she leaned against your side "youre a trooper you know that?"

"you say that like i didnt consider faking a sprained ankle in the frozen foods section"

she kissed your cheek "you didnt though. which makes you the best girlfriend ever"

"just.. dont let me die in the snack aisle."

"no promises" she said, grabbing your hand and tugging you towards the chips "theyve got a new kind of kettle cooked i need you to try"

you groaned but let her pull you along with the cart rattling behind you