Nathan and Catty strolled through the aisles of one of Nathan's supermarkets tucked in the heart of Goreangab. Catty clung to his arm, her heels clicking with purpose.
"So," she purred, glancing at him from beneath heavy lashes, "what are you getting me today?"
Nathan smirked. "What do you want?"
"You."
He blinked, confused. "What?"
She giggled. "I mean... surprise me. Get me something you think I need."
"Alright…" he began, his voice dropping into something serious. "But first, I need to ask you something."
Catty's smile faltered. "Tell me."
"When are you getting married?"
"What?" Her voice cracked in disbelief.
"You heard me." He leaned against a shelf. "When are you getting married?"
"I don't even have a fiancé."
"You should've said that sooner. In that case, will you marry me?"
"What?" She lit up. "Yes! Yes, I will!"
"Or… do you have a boyfriend?" he asked, teasing.
"No. I don't. You're my boyfriend now," she declared proudly.
"Alright then. I'll give you anything your heart desires — and in return, you'll be mine. Forever."
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "So, does that mean you'll stop flirting?"
"Am I a flirt?"
"I saw you last night. In the hallway," she said, raising a brow.
He chuckled. "Last night's already forgotten. I'm serious now. No more flirting."
"Promise?" she whispered.
"I'm… trying," he said, glancing away.
They entered the store where, unbeknownst to them, Vicky and the kids were already shopping.
Nathan moved through the store, inspecting displays and chatting with employees. He paused when he overheard two small voices in the biscuit aisle.
"No, Faith, don't take more. Sister said only one each," Emily said, standing firm.
"But I want two! Vicky Mommy will buy me more," Faith whined.
"Faith," Emily reasoned, "sister only has enough for one each. We'll come back another time. Look — this one costs N$10 but has fewer cookies. It might taste better, but it's not much. This one is N$6 and has a lot more."
Nathan paused, watching the exchange with interest.
"She's so smart," he muttered under his breath.
"Are you sure we'll come back?" Faith asked.
"I'm sure. Just take this one. It's better value." Emily handed her the cheaper packet.
Nathan stepped closer, smiling. "Hello, beautiful doll."
Emily turned, skeptical. "Did you just call me a doll?"
"Yes. You're as beautiful as one."
"I don't have dolls anymore. And you're handsome, Mister."
He chuckled. "Not more than you. Are you coming from school?"
"Yes. We visited Mom in the hospital."
"Oh? Your mom's in the hospital?" Nathan asked gently.
"She'll be home soon," Emily said, full of hope.
"And who's with you here?"
"My sister. She's getting milk."
"Would you let me buy you that biscuit?"
Emily shook her head. "No, thank you. Sister said we shouldn't take things from strangers. Some people lure kids with cookies… and kidnap them."
Nathan whistled softly. "Smart and careful. But this one wasn't on your sister's list, right?"
"I don't want that one. I'm fine with this."
"You said I'm handsome, right?"
"Yes…"
"So, how about we become friends? And next time, I'll buy us both biscuits."
Emily tilted her head. "Okay. I'm Emily. What should I call you?"
"Call me… Nate."
"Nate?" she repeated, trying it on her tongue.
"Yeah. My friends call me that. You're my friend now, right?"
"I think I'll call you Mr. Nate. My mom and sister say I must respect elders."
Nathan felt something melt inside him.
Meanwhile, Faith had wandered into the next aisle — and collided straight into Catty. The soda she held spilled onto Catty's beige pants.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Faith said, startled.
Catty looked down, eyes flaring. "Hey! Watch where you're going! Look at my pants, you little dirty rat!"
"I'm… I didn't mean…" Faith's voice trembled.
Vicky came rushing over, shielding Faith in her arms.
"She's just a child. Please, don't yell at her like that. It was an accident."
"You should keep her on a leash! You mothers just pop out babies and let them run wild!"
Catty stormed off, fuming.
Faith buried her face in Vicky's stomach. "I don't like that aunty. I didn't see her, and she just started shouting."
"It's alright, sweetheart. It's not your fault. Now come on, give Mommy a smile."
Faith managed a little grin.
"Where's Emily?" Vicky asked.
Catty found Nathan still chatting with Emily, the two of them giggling like old friends.
"Nate! Are you done? My pants are ruined, thanks to one of those brats!"
"Look at this brilliant girl," Nathan said, ignoring her tone. "Isn't she something?"
Catty offered Emily a half-hearted wave, then whispered, "Kids everywhere. And now you're befriending them?"
Emily spotted her sister and darted off. "There's my sister! Bye Mr. Nate!"
"Bye, smarty," Nathan said with a fond wave. "You're my little doll."
Catty rolled her eyes. "Are you serious, Nate? Look at my pants!"
"It's just a stain. It'll wash out."
"Emily, where were you?" Vicky asked as they reunited.
"I got my biscuit — and a new friend!"
"Really? Okay, let me go pay. Wait for me outside."
"Okay!" the girls chimed in unison.
At the register, the cashier halted. "Ma'am, could you please fetch the item with the missing tag?"
"Sure," Vicky said, heading back to the shelf.
At the same time, Nathan walked toward the back storeroom. Their paths crossed — quite literally — as Vicky turned the corner, eyes on her phone, and crashed into him.
Her earring came loose and snagged on his shirt.
"Whoa," Nathan said, steadying her.