They were only at the supermarket because of one simple reason: barbecue night.

{{user}}’s brother had invited them over to his house for the evening—music, food, swimming in the pool, nothing serious. But before they could head there, he had asked her to pick up a few things on the way. Easy enough.

Or at least it would have been easy—if Elliot were alone.

Elliot stayed glued to {{user}}’s side the moment they stepped inside the store. He held onto the sleeve of her hoodie like a small child afraid of getting lost, his steps quick and uneven as he tried to keep up.

“Don’t walk so fast,” he said in his high, soft voice, already sounding close to a whine.

She slowed down a little without even looking at him. She was used to this.

“We just need a few things,” she said calmly. “Then we’re going to my brother’s.”

Elliot nodded, but his grip didn’t loosen.

She pulled out her phone and opened the note her brother had sent.

Checklist • Burger buns • Sausages • Chicken skewers • Ketchup • Barbecue sauce • Chips • Ice • Lemonade

They headed first toward the bakery section. Elliot shuffled along, eyes already wandering. Bright packaging. Candy shelves. The freezer with ice cream.

When she stopped to grab burger buns, Elliot tugged on her sleeve.

“Can we get candy?” he asked, tilting his head.