Prompt: Isolation
Félix walked through the store. He had to go on a last-minute grocery run. Luisa's engagement party was tomorrow, and Julieta was missing a few ingredients. She sent Félix to pick up the last few things, and Antonio tagged along.
As Félix walked, he bumped into a table with oranges on it. A few fell onto the cold store floor. Félix quickly moved to put them back on the table. "I'll get it," an unfamiliar voice said. Félix looked up, his eyes meeting hazel green ones. The boy had a name tag that said; Marco. He had curly raven hair.
"I'll get it," Félix insisted.
"No," Marco sighed. "I'll do it. It's my job, after all."
Even though Félix had never met Marco, he recognized those eyes. He wondered how in the world he would be able to. His voice sounded vaguely familiar, too. No. It can't be. "Is everything okay, sir?" Marco asked.
"I'm fine," Félix said. "You just remind me of someone I used to know."
"Oh," Marco said. He smiled down at Antonio, who hadn't left Félix's side. Félix didn't mind how clingy Antonio was. Félix didn't mind at all. Ever since the incident, he became more protective of his kids.
Macro finished putting the oranges back in place. "Do you need help?" Marco asked.
"No," Félix said. Though the boy was nice, Félix needed to get away before he started crying. The eyes reminded him of the son who died two years ago. Camilo had drowned in a nearby creek, but they only found his ruana. They believe a wild animal ate the body.
So, Félix took Antonio's hand; and they went to another aisle.
Marco went to the store bathroom. He went into the last stall in the bathroom and locked the door. A sob ripped through his body. He let the shift drop, turning back into Camilo Madrigal. He had seen his family multiple times throughout the last two years, but this was his first time talking to his father. He missed them.
Camilo had to remind himself. You're doing this to protect them. One day, you'll be able to tell them the truth.
