Chapter 16 - Is This How My Legacy Dies

There are a lot of things I expect when I walk into the bodega.

A fight? Absolutely.

A stupid remark? Of course.

Pierre saying something useful? Never.

Which is exactly why my brain shuts down when it happens.

I step inside, barely acknowledging anything beyond grabbing my usual tea. Long day. Too much nonsense. Barely enough patience left.

And then—Pierre speaks.

"Oh. That actually looks nice on you."

Silence.

My brain crashes. Full system failure.

Luis freezes behind the counter. I freeze mid-step.

The world stops turning.

I stare at Pierre, processing. Words are forming in my brain, but none are making it to my mouth.

Luis, because he's a menace, grins. "Oh? Speechless?"

I immediately turn, grab my tea, and walk right back out.

Luis and Pierre watch me leave in complete silence.

As the door swings shut behind me, I hear Luis whistle. "Damn. You broke her."

Pierre, casually: "I like to keep her on her toes."

I take a sip of my tea outside, staring at the empty street. What the hell just happened?