— Ugh, I can't believe we're going to another thrift store — Iris complains.
— But it's Sunday, the weather is perfect. Today is definitely the day to find something good at the thrift store — Noah says it like it's the most revolutionary thing in the world.
— If you actually bought something for once — Iris says, visibly disgusted.
— I'll buy you lunch — Noah offers.
— Hmmm — Iris thinks for a moment.
— Not one. Two — Noah adds.
— Fine, let's go. I'm only going because I love you. Not because of the food — Iris says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
— I'll go get ready and meet you at the bus stop — Noah says, already excited. — See you there.
Noah arrives home.
The large house with its marble floors was cold — too beautiful to feel like it was ever meant for someone to actually live in. Too big for someone living alone.
— Ugh — Noah sighs. — I hate this house.
Where did I leave that shoe? Noah frowns.
For a second, his eyes light up. And in a flash, images race through his mind.
— Found you. You're perfect for today.
The day was sunny, with a warmth that felt like old memories. The cobblestone streets gave the feeling of a place that time forgot.
At the bus stop, Iris spots Noah from a distance and waves. Getting a little closer, she sees something absolutely unacceptable.
— WHAT. Is that on your feet? You're actually going out like that? That shoe looks like something my grandpa would wear — Iris says, looking him up and down. — Hideous.
— You have zero fashion sense and you want to talk? Give me a break — Noah says, clearly offended.
— If that's fashion, I'm happy to be left out — Iris says, laughing.
— Can we just go? I don't want to waste time!
The bus takes a while to show up. When it does, it's old. Way too old.
— Bro, how is this city so mismanaged. Look at this bus, it's literally falling apart — Noah complains.
— Don't even get me started on the city's website. I've never seen a website that broken in my life — Iris says, and they both start laughing.
The bus screeches to a stop.
— Did this thing almost not stop?! When's the last time anyone checked the brakes — Iris says, still laughing.
— We still have to walk a bit to get there, so let's move. I saw some amazing pieces on Instagram — Noah says, already walking ahead.
They walk through an alley. Then another one.
— Is this even safe? This thrift store is literally in the middle of nowhere — Iris complains.
They walked so long that before they knew it, the street was completely empty. The heat was unbearable.
— Are you sure you know where we're going? — Iris asks.
— Sure? Not exactly. I think we're somewhere between buildings — Noah says.
— I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS. YOU DRAG ME OUT HERE AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE THE STORE IS?!
Suddenly, they spot a figure leaning against a wall.
— I'll go ask that guy for directions — Noah says.
— I think this is where we die — Iris says, actual tears in her eyes. — Either we're getting robbed or we're just straight up dying.
— You're being dramatic.
— Look at what he's wearing. He's smoking over there — Iris looks genuinely nervous.
— Relax. He looks fine.
— Goodbye, cruel world — Iris says, dramatically.
Noah walks up to the guy and asks:
— Hey, good afternoon. Do you know where Dona Ivone's thrift store is?
The man looks Noah up and down and takes a moment.
This is it. This is how I go.
— Dona Ivone? — the man asks.
— Yeah, her — Noah answers.
— That's my mom. Come on, I'll take you — the man says.
— Iris, let's go! — Noah calls out.
They walk through a few more empty alleys and finally arrive at Dona Ivone's thrift store.
— Mom! Someone's here looking for you! — the man calls out.
— I genuinely thought we'd never make it. Thank you so much — Noah tells the man.
— No problem! — the man answers.
I genuinely thought I was going to die.
The place was a little dusty, with the smell of old clothes hanging in the air. Two racks with pieces hanging off them, two tables buried under piles of fabric. Everything looked ancient.
— Come in, come in. Welcome, make yourselves at home — Dona Ivone invites them inside.
Noah walks in, already excited.
— Come on, Iris — he calls her over.
Looking around, Iris whispers:
— Bro, this thrift store is literally just old people clothes. I'm convinced whoever owned these is ancient — Iris laughs.
Noah holds up a piece of clothing.
— Whoever left this behind did me a personal favor — Noah says. — Absolutely perfect.
Iris looks at the piece for a moment.
— My grandma would wear that — she says.
— Fashion isn't for everyone. And we can clearly see that by what you're wearing right now — who leaves the house like this in the 21st century? — Noah says, looking Iris up and down.
— Excuse me?! You're the one walking around in those shoes—
A small argument broke out. By the time they noticed, it was almost night. The sun had set.
— How are we getting home? We're literally in the middle of nowhere — Iris says, panicked.
— And we don't know anyone around here — Noah adds.
— We need to leave. Now — they both say at the same time.
They run for the exit and trip over a box on the way out, making a loud noise.
— Already leaving? You're not taking anything? — Dona Ivone asks.
Why didn't I run faster? Noah thinks.
— Of course we are. We were definitely going to get something — Noah says, trying to sound convincing.
— Can you ring up these two pieces? — Iris says, smiling.
After paying, they sprint for the door.
— Bye, kids! Come back soon!
— See you next time, Dona Ivone!
On the way back to the bus stop, they pass through the same alleys as before. Now barely lit, with a few streetlights flickering.
— You actually remember where the bus stop is, right? — Iris asks.
— I know. Trust me — Noah says with a smile that convinced absolutely no one.
They go through a completely dark alley. At the end of it — the bus stop.
— Thank God I got that right — Noah exhales.
Other people were already waiting. It wasn't that late yet.
The bus arrives with its signature screech. They squeeze on, packed in with everyone else.
— I can't believe we timed this perfectly for rush hour. This is going to take over an hour.
— And we're standing — Noah complains.
The bus hits a pothole.
— TAKE IT EASY, DRIVER. WE'RE NOT LIVESTOCK — Noah yells.
— The city really can't fix a single road — Iris says, smiling.
They finally reach their neighborhood. The street is dark, feeling later than it actually is.
— Hey, I almost forgot. You promised me fo— — Iris gets cut off.
— WELL, I'M HEADING OUT! — Noah yells, already far away.