The small white bag crinkled in her hand as the pharmaceutical technician handed it over. “Thank you,” she said, voice tentative and shy by default as her chin tucked closer to her chest. Sarah side-stepped out of the way allowing the next in line to step forward. There was an anxiety gnawing at the back of her mind urging her to hurry though her eyes drifted towards the center eyes lingering on the baubles. 

They were poorly made with cheap glassy marbles detached and sitting on the shelves rather than the indentations in the plaster. The faces were hideously disfigured taking on the appearance of melted wax with elongated features. There was no need for her to look at them, she had no intention of purchasing them, but Sarah felt she needed an excuse to take her time. Returning back to the house quickly was the thing she ought to do, she knew this, but even though she was the golden child—a title she resented Lena for giving her—she needed time to herself every now and then. Getting out of the house and running errands where her parents could not was the only time she truly had that was hers.

Sarah sat the emerald marble back where it belonged and it balanced precariously threatening to roll off the foundation. When that was done she began to trudge her way to the register falling in line behind another customer and taking a candy-bar from one of the boxes lining the way. Not noticing the people around her, she briefly surveyed her surroundings and had to do a double take when she saw the man approaching her. 

'Speak of the devil,' she thought.

She recognized Johnny and he seemed to recognize her as well, greeting her in an affable manner. At first she thought it was a mistake, glancing around her for any sign of someone she might have recognized as Sherrie before realizing he really was addressing her. It crossed her mind to let him continue thinking that, she hated confrontation and doubted after this moment they would communicate again, but she had too much pride to allow that to happen. “It's Sarah,” she corrected. Shifting the weight on her feet, she gave an upward shrug of her right shoulder. “Not much, I guess.” Starting to fidget, she yearned for the line to move. 

The person in front of them was unabashedly watching and a large empty space opened between them and the cashier. “You're Johnny Blackburn, aren't you?” The man got excited, completely forgetting the check out, as he approached the musician. “I love The Grim, man. Been following you guys since high school-” Noticing Sarah was standing and waiting, he moved out of the way. “Oh, sorry,” he apologized. “Go on ahead.” Taking the opportunity, she moved ahead in line placing her items on the counter while the man engaged Johnny in a conversation about music.

Swiping her card through the reader, her eyes shifted back to Johnny. He had tried to talk to her and she had given him little to nothing in return. There was the feeling of guilt building in the pit of her stomach making her nauseous knowing she hadn't even tried. Sarah was a naturally guarded individual and had been told more than once she needed to be more sociable and receptive. “Johnny,” she said to get his attention. The man stopped talking, looking back at her and she felt embarrassed being the center of attention. “Have a good show.” The statement came out more inquisitive than she would have liked in her insecurity, but she felt proud of herself for speaking all the name. Just as she was about to leave she felt her phone vibrate once in her pocket. 

Taking it out she looked at the screen reading over the text coming from her mother: Come home now.