Villain Ch 1963. Overdue
He'd been there before Allen and Mila walked in. Alone, hoodie up, back slouched against the vinyl booth, hoping for a quiet takeout order and five minutes of peace. He wasn't even that hungry. Didn't plan on sitting. Just needed to get out of the apartment. Too quiet lately. Too still.
At the counter, when the worker asked what he wanted, he'd opened his mouth to say "Just fries" but instead, somehow, what came out was… "Large soda float."
It surprised even him.
He didn't question it until the drink hit his hand. Cold fizz at the bottom, soft-serve melting into sugary clouds on top and then it hit him why.
His mom used to order this.
Back when they were broke but trying. When she had to dig coins from under car seats and bargain for weekend fun. Soda floats were her guilty pleasure. Said they were ridiculous, over-the-top, and exactly what life should taste like. She called it "liquid joy in a cup."
And now she was gone.
