What are we?
1169 Words
Sandra sat in front of the old piano, her fingers gently dancing across the keys. A soft, melodious tune echoed through the quiet night. Emotions swirled within her, and she poured every drop into the music.
As the last note faded, she whispered into the silence, “Mom, Daniel is fine now, but… I didn’t do it this time. It was an angel who helped us.” She wiped a tear from her cheek. “I don’t even know how I met him or how we got here, but, Mom… whenever he’s around, my heart races, and the whole world feels safe—lighter, more colorful.”
A soft smile tugged at her lips as her thoughts drifted to Andre.
“I don’t know if this is what love feels like… but I know it’s real. And I hope it stays forever, Mom.”
---
The sun rose early the next morning, and Sandra was already up. She rushed through her routine and dropped Mitchell off at school, humming a tune as she went.
She stepped into the café, her energy radiant.
“Good morning, all!” she called out cheerfully as she grabbed her apron.
“Wow, girl, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you in such a good mood. What’s going on that I don’t know about?” Julie asked, eyeing her with curiosity.
“What do you mean, what’s going on? Daniel’s surgery went well—I’m happy. Is there anything else you want to know?” Sandra replied, her cheeks tinged pink as her thoughts wandered to the real reason she couldn’t stop smiling.
“Mmm-hmm, that can’t be all. Is there something else I should know?” Julie grinned.
“W-what else would there be?” Sandra stammered, blushing harder.
“Like… what’s going on between you and that handsome new customer?” Julie teased.
Sandra choked. “Julie! Are you trying to kill me? What do you even mean by that?”
“You know exactly what I mean,” Julie winked.
“I have to get to work. Take your gossipy self somewhere else,” Sandra muttered, scurrying away, her face turning beet red.
---
Despite the teasing, Sandra threw herself into work. She handled the long line of customers with ease, her spirits high. As the café quieted down later, she began packing up.
The door chimed—and there he was.
“Looks like you’re about to leave,” Andre said as he stepped in.
“Andre!” she exclaimed, surprised and delighted.
“Someone’s excited to see me,” he teased.
“Who cares about you?” she replied, rolling her eyes, though her blush gave her away. “Yes, I was just about to leave. Do you need an espresso?”
“Yes,” he smiled. “What’s your favorite drink, by the way?”
“That would be a mocha.”
“Well, add one mocha to the order, then.”
“What? Why?” she asked, puzzled.
But Andre was already ordering wraps and brownies.
“Ah, this guy… ever so mysterious,” she muttered, shaking her head with a smile as she prepared the drinks.
When he returned, she handed over the espresso and mocha.
“Great. Ring it up,” he said, handing her his card.
As she swiped it, he leaned in slightly. “Do you have some time? I’d like to take you somewhere.”
Sandra blinked. “Yes, I do. But… where exactly?”
“It’s a surprise. Trust me,” Andre said, taking back his card and offering his hand.
After a moment’s hesitation, she reached out—and took it.
With a shy smile and a blush, she followed him out.
Sandra and Andre sat quietly in the car as he drove to the surprise destination. Soft music played in the background. They exchanged quick glances before looking away just as quickly, Sandra’s face as red as a tomato.
“I did it,” Andre finally said, smiling.
“Hmm?” Sandra looked at him, confused.
“I got to see you smile,” he said, glancing her way. “And believe me, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. You should wear it more often.”
Sandra was stunned into silence before breaking into a soft smile as she looked out the window.
The scenery gradually shifted from the busy city to peaceful suburban landscapes. Finally, Andre pulled over and opened the door for her.
“We’re here,” he said.
Sandra looked around. They were on a lush, green hill.
“Where is this?” she asked.
“This is my favorite spot. Come on,” Andre said, eyes gleaming as he took her hand.
They climbed higher until a breathtaking view of the sunset greeted them.
“Wow… it’s beautiful,” Sandra whispered.
“You think so? I think so too,” Andre replied, laying out a blanket and unpacking snacks from a basket Sandra hadn’t even noticed.
He poured her a mocha and handed her a wrap. “Here you go, m’lady.”
Sandra laughed. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
They ate together as the sky turned shades of orange and purple.
“I come here when I need peace. When I’m angry, sad, or just overwhelmed,” Andre said. “Nature listens. It calms me.”
“That’s so… poetic,” Sandra said, sipping her drink. “And now you’ve shared it with me.”
“You’re the first person I’ve ever brought here,” he said softly.
He leaned forward and gently wiped a crumb from the corner of her mouth. Their eyes met. Time seemed to stand still. Then Sandra looked away, flustered.
“Eat up. I’ve got one more place to show you,” he said, shifting slightly.
“Another place? Then let’s go!” she said, already bubbling with excitement.
Andre laughed and led her down the hill to a sparkling body of water.
Sandra dipped her hands in. “Whoa—it’s warm! I thought it’d be freezing.”
“That’s the magic of it,” Andre said. “No matter the time, it’s always warm.”
“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen this side of nature. It’s only ever shown me its harshness.”
“Well now, you’ll see the beautiful side too. And for the rough parts… I’ll walk through them with you.”
Sandra looked at him, eyes shining with gratitude.
Then, suddenly, she splashed water on him.
“What the—?” Andre yelped.
Sandra stuck out her tongue. “You naughty rascal!”
“Oh, you’re in for it!” he grinned, splashing her back.
Laughter filled the air as they splashed each other until they fell back into the grass, breathless, Sandra landing on top of Andre.
Their eyes met again—this time longer.
Then she rolled off, and they both burst into laughter.
After a moment of silence, Sandra asked softly,
“Andre… what are we?
- Writer
