Navigating a shopping cart, Leonel positioned himself behind her.
Upon straightening, Alexis caught sight of Leonel.
It had been a considerable time since their last encounter.
Their interaction had been limited to sporadic messages from Leonel.
Alexis fixed her gaze on his countenance.
Disregarding the injury, Leonel lightly traced his face with his hand.
âDad delivered a blow to my face,â he uttered with apparent indifference.
Intuitively, Alexis sensed it.
With a subtle nod, she traversed past him, assuming the demeanor of a casual acquaintance.
Intercepting her, Leonel seized her arm.
Turning his head, he whispered, âI donât think youâll forget.
I canât believe youâll forget the days we spent together and the times we roamed around here.
I also donât believe that Calvin can completely take my place.
â
Lowering her head, Alexis replied softly, âLife must go on.
â
Despite his scrutiny, she delicately extricated his hand.
âThere are people here.
I canât afford to lose my composure.
â
Having expressed herself, she departed.
In a daze, Leonel lingered.
Eventually, he pivoted and called out louder, âIâll be at the apartment.
Will you join me?â
Alexis hesitated briefly before quickening her pace.
Observing her retreating figure, Leonel swallowed hard.
He wasnât in the mood for shopping.
After grabbing a few items, he headed to the checkout counter to pay.
While waiting in line, he noticed Calvin, and to his surprise, Alexis was standing next to him.
Calvin glanced at her, smiled softly and then picked up two boxes of condoms from the shelf.
Leonel fixed his gaze on them.
Gradually, his breaths quickened.
Hastily, he pushed his cart to the opposite end.
Abandoning his selections, he fled without making any purchases.
The chosen vegetables and fruits remained neglected in the cart.
Calvin observed Leonelâs departure.
Deliberately, Calvin returned the two boxes of condoms to their place, sighing softly.
âWhy put yourself through this, Alexis?â