"Basil, it's not far to the store. We really need to do some shopping and it won't hurt me to help out more." I plead my case. Basil exhales, giving me a look that begs me to forget the notion.

"Are you sure you don't want to spend a day in bed? We've been up and around a lot the past couple weeks." I shrug my shoulders.

"No, it'll only make me feel sluggish and I need some light exercise." I watch the gears click inside his brain. I know he's concerned and it's very loving of him to want to make me as comfortable and safe as possible, but a normal shopping trip is what I've been dreaming of since we got married.

"Alright, then. A normal errand trip out and about." He relents with a soft smile. Grinning, I kiss him and grab the keys from the key rack. He kisses me and takes them out of my hands.

"But I am driving and doing the lifting."

"Alright, then," I peer into the living room where my parents, Benedikta and Rosine are gathered, munching on German pancakes and watching the news. Isaac went back to school a few days ago, "Basil and I are going shopping. Anything you guys need besides the list Mom gave me?"

"Actually, I need to pick up some stuff. I'll come along." Dad answers and gets up. I turn to Rosine and Benedikta, expecting one or both to say they'll tag along.

"We were planning on stopping by Rask Industries, so we'll be gone most of the day."

"Alrighty then." I kiss Mom goodbye and us three head out. Dad helps me into the passenger seat and then hops in the back. Basil retained the keys so he drives us over to the store in relative silence.

I grab a cart and take out the list. As Dad goes alone to the electronics aisles, Basil takes up his position beside me and we start the slow, winding snake around the store. We've done this once before, and Basil is still unaccustomed to this type of shopping; he is stiff and awkwardly dodging other shoppers. I laugh at his expense and move forward, "Basil, could you please get the vitamins from the top shelf?" He nods and places them in the cart.

"You actually aren't trying to reach them on your own."

"I'm trying to give you some peace of mind. I understand that you don't want me overdoing things." He beams cheekily and steals a kiss.

"That's what I've wanted to hear you say for months, Edelweiss." I smile and we continue on. It feels amazing to just do our own shopping. In Eldstein all of it is done by the staff and even the smallest mention of us doing it ourselves is shot down.

Basil relaxes after a few more minutes and takes enjoyment in retrieving items. I take the time to teach him how to arrange everything in the cart, like tetris, but it will take several more trips at best before he understands the logic. Dad and Isaac still have issues with it, "Basil, that goes on top." I patiently explain, gently directing him in rearranging the item.

"I wonder where Papa is." We pause.

"Ja, he should have rejoined us by now," I whip out my phone and send a text to him. Maybe he met one of his buddies. It's possible in a small town. I've seen a few familiar faces. So I shrug and put my phone away, remembering a few things we forgot a few aisles back, "Ach!"

"What is it?"

"We forgot a few things. Could you go get them?"

"Of course, as long as you stay-"

"I'll keep going along this aisle. I won't vanish. Here are the things you need to retrieve." I hand him the list and he heads back.

Buzz...

I pull my phone back out. Dad texted. I open the message and purse my lips.

I just ran into an old face.

"Who?" I text back.

Ty.

"What? I thought he moved to Everett."

He moved back to be with his parents. Just be careful. He hasn't forgotten or moved on.

"Okay. Thanks for the warning, Dad!"

I bury my face in my hands, taking several deep breaths as I process the heads up, "Are you alright, Edelweiss?" I lift my head as Basil drops off the stuff into the cart. I grip the handle bar and inhale. He places his hand on my back, searching me for an explanation.

"Basil, Dad just texted. He just saw Ty."

"Ty as in Ty Cooper? That guy?" I nod, "Do you want to head out to the car?"

"Nein. I am a grown woman and we need this shopping to get done. I will be fine," I rebut, shoving the cart forward with more force than necessary. It flies forward and I lose my grip, "Ach!" Basil grabs it for me and pulls it back.

"I think you should head to the car. Papa can help me out."

"Nein. I'll be fine. Besides, I've got you with me."

Please vote and comment! Thanks for reading!

~Uilosris