Matt and Bill went completely still.
"Hi." I stepped closer, kept my tone easy. "How are you?"
"I'm…" She looked around, confused but calmer now. "I was trying to get home. Matthew's expecting me for dinner and these men…" She gestured vaguely at Bill and Matt. "They won't take me."
My heart tightened. "I'm sure Matthew won't mind if you're a little late."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
She took my hand. Her grip was weak, fingers thin and cold, but she was calm now. The store had gone quiet too. People trying not to stare but absolutely staring. Matt's eyes met mine over his mother's head, and his mouth formed the words:thank you.
Bill cleared his throat gently. "Let's get you to the car then, honey. We don't want to be late."
Carol nodded, letting him guide her toward the exit. I walked with them. Matt fell into step on Carol's other side, his hand on her elbow so careful it made my chest ache.
The store manager stepped aside, customers parted, and we made our way through the automatic doors into the cold afternoon air. Bill's car was parked near the entrance. He unlocked it and helped Carol into the passenger seat. She went easily now, humming something under her breath.
"I'll get her settled at home," Bill said quietly. "Matt, you coming?"
"Right behind you."
Bill nodded, climbed into the driver's seat. Before he could close the door, Carol leaned toward the open window.
She was looking at me and Matt standing together on the sidewalk. A smile spread across her face… bright, delighted, almost mischievous.
"I know what you two are up to."
Matt went rigid. "Mom?—"
"It's okay." She reached through the window, patted my hand. "I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me."
Everything narrowed to her smiling face.
She thought we were together. Sneaking around, young and in love.
"You're so good for him, Elena." Her eyes were warm, certain. "He's lucky to have you."
I didn’t know what to do, what to think.
She squeezed my hand. "You'll make such beautiful babies."
My hand went limp in hers.
Bill's voice was gentle. "Carol, we should get going."
"All right, all right." She waved at us as Bill started the engine, still smiling. "See you kids later."
The car pulled away.
Matt and I stood there while the world moved around us. Cars on the main road, groceries being loaded, people living their ordinary Saturday. Everything looked normal. Everything felt impossible.
"I'm sorry." Matt's voice came out rough. "She gets confused. She thinks we're… she doesn't understand we're not?—"
"I know."
A cart rattled past, pushed by a teenager in a store vest. We both stood there, not knowing what else to say.
