She Only Speaks to Butterflies

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Book: She Only Speaks to Butterflies by Sandy Appleyard Read Free Book Online
Authors: Sandy Appleyard
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fine stock over there. Never had no complaints about our meat.”
    “Produce good, too?”
    “Wonderful. We just brought in some delicious vine-ripened tomatoes if you’re mood’s for salad with the roast.”
    “We’ll get some potatoes if it’s all the same.” Kenny placed the meat into the cart.
    “Perfect,” Marty smiled. “Randy’s just puttin’ out some fresh ones right now.”
    “Your milk still good?” Gertrude asked, heading for the dairy. “Never mind, we’ll buy more anyway. Denise still likes milkshakes, don’t she?” She winked at her granddaughter, who was eying the frozen waffles with Sesame Street characters printed on the box.
    “What kind of ice cream does she like these days?” Kenny asked Sherry.
    Sherry sifted through the freezer. “Chocolate is her favorite, but it looks like they’re out.”
    “Strawberry okay?”
    “Sure.”
    After placing the ice cream in the cart, Denise exited the freezer section and headed for the bakery. “Wait for momma, sweetie,” Sherry called.
    Gertrude gestured.
    “You go on, we’ll catch up.”
    Sherry followed Denise over to the bakery, where there were fresh cookies and pastries being laid out on the display counter. She immediately grabbed a cellophane-covered platter of apple turnovers and hoisted them up to Sherry.
    “Oh no, sweetie, we’re gonna have some ice cream later, and Kate’ll be by to visit. Ya know she always brings sweets with her.” Sherry put the plate back on the display. “We can also make some treats later if ya like?”
    A familiar look swept across Denise’s face; her lips wrinkled together, turning white as her chest began heaving up and down. The color in Sherry’s face drained.
    “Deep breaths, sweetheart,” she soothed, but her words fell on deaf ears. Denise’s breathing became erratic, like she was placed in a coffin. The pastry platter was thrown to the floor like a piece of garbage. Sherry tried to grab it in time but failed. All the turnovers fell onto the floor, looking like they had been stomped on.
    “Denise, sweetheart, please stay calm,” she whispered, kneeling down to her level. “Count with momma. Let’s try countin’ the lights, okay?” She pointed to the fluorescent strip of lights overhead.
    The lady behind the counter recognized Sherry and picked up the spoiled platter from the floor. “I’ll pay for that,” Sherry said. “Just gimme a minute.”
    “No need, Ms. Little,” she whispered, eyeing Denise cautiously. “It’s okay.”
    Denise watched the woman take the tray away and her face turned red. Taking her daughter’s arms, Sherry gently brought her to eye level.
    “Denise, you need to breathe,” she explained in the calmest voice she could manage.
    Kenny and Gertrude had caught up, they knew not to interfere. The last time they did, they were in a toy warehouse. Denise ran away so fast, if it wasn’t for the parcel check at the exit, they would have lost her. She would have run out into the street.
    The frustrated little girl’s face was turning blue. Beads of sweat were beginning to form on her forehead. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She reached for her glossy curls and began pulling. Knowing if she made a move to try to stop her, that Denise would only pull harder, Sherry mustered the will to remain at ease.
    “Sweetheart, yer okay. Try to focus on momma’s face.” Sherry wiped the tears from her daughter’s eyes, trying to fend off her own. A hand suddenly came loose, bringing with it a large clump of hair. Denise released it and tugged again, this time harder. Sherry tried to ignore the self-destruction and instead focused on averting her daughter’s attention.
    “Did ya bring Rainy Day Bear with ya?” Kenny looked down at the front of the cart where the bear sat. In one swift move, he handed it to Sherry. Sherry took it from him, holding it tightly. “Do ya need Rainy Day Bear, sweetie?”
    Denise focused on the bear for a moment.
    “I’ll give him to ya,

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