surprise

Sisterly memories
cause bittersweet emotions
to surface.

Kelly looks nothing like me,
acts nothing like me,
is really nothing like me.

But she’s my sister.
And that means
everything.

I retreat with my bag
to a large piece of driftwood
and take a seat.

I close my eyes
and breathe in the soothing
smell of salty ocean air.

Seagulls cry
in the distance,
as if they are lonely
despite the company
of a beach full of people.

I know that cry.

“Keep your eyes closed,” Cade whispers.
“And open your mouth.”

Of course
I immediately
open my eyes.

He sits next to me.
“Come on.”
He smiles.
“Don’t you trust me?”

I want to trust him.
I close my eyes.
And I slowly
open

my mouth.

There is sweetness
with a hint of salt,
and the distinctive texture
of taffy.

“Guess what flavor,” he asks.

I smile.

He’s playing my game.

How did he know my game?

“Lemon.”

I open my eyes.

He’s chewing too.

“Mine’s lime.”

Two of my favorites.