Not all aisles lead to checkouts. Some take you right back.

——

“Lily?”

My name again. His voice wasn’t raised, but it slipped under my skin like a whisper you can’t ignore. It was too familiar, too close.

“Aren’t you Lily? Or am I mistaken?”

Then, his hand. Rested on my shoulder, but sudden enough that my whole body turn cold.

Shit.

I screamed inside my own mind, my breath hitched, as my grip tightened on the soft onesie still dangling from my hand. This was not supposed to happen. Not today. Not here. Out of every face in this crowded mall, why did it have to be his?

I...