The Other Side of Tomorrow

“When you insult my spouse I become defensive,” she reasons, and I laugh.

“Now I know why you’ve spent so much time in your room this summer.”

“K-Pop all day every day, bro,” she quips and we both laugh.

“Do you want to go to the pier today?” I ask her. I selfishly want to visit Julio.

“Only if I can introduce you to the wonders of K-Pop on the way.”

“Knock yourself out.”

She squeals and runs up the stairs to get ready. “I low you!” she calls over her shoulder.

I set my book down to do the same, Perry loping behind me like an ever-present shadow. He follows me into my room and plops on my bed as I close the door behind us. Opening my closet, I scan my clothes, looking for something to wear. I pull out a pair of shorts I forgot I owned. They’re high waisted and black with a yellow and peach floral print. I pair them with a cropped short sleeve white shirt and a hat. Forgoing my usual sneakers or flip-flops I put on a pair of strappy black sandals I’ve worn maybe once.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror and smile. I’m not wearing any makeup, but I think I look cute. I don’t normally dress nice and it feels good.

Grabbing my bag, I meet Harlow downstairs and we get in the car, taking Perry with us because he suckers me into feeling sorry for him.

He sits in the back, wagging his tail. I swear he smiles.

“If you do anything bad,” I warn hi

m, pointing a finger, “I’ll never speak to you again.”

He just pants in response. Apparently, I’m not very threatening.

Whatever.

At least I tried.

Harlow wastes no time hooking her phone up and blasting her K-Pop. It isn’t that bad, actually. In fact, it’s catchy, and soon I’m bobbing my head along as we drive to the pier.

“Good, right?” she asks, while I maneuver the car into a parking spot.

“I like it,” I admit.

She claps her hands giddily. “I have converted you to the dark side.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“You just wait,” she warns. “You’ve been sucked into the K-Pop black hole and you’re not coming back.”

I can’t help but laugh at her.

Getting out, I grab Perry’s leash and ease open the back door, grabbing his collar before he can jump out. I wrestle with him to attach the leash and then I let him hop out.

I lock up behind us as Perry drags me along. You can’t walk this dog. He walks you.

Harlow bounces along beside me in a bright and cheery mood. But when is she not? If I could bottle her energy and attitude then shake it across the world like a pepper shaker, the world would be a much happier, brighter place.

“I want cotton candy,” Harlow declares, walking backward to face me. “You want any?”

“No.” I shake my head. “You go on. I’ll meet back up with you.”

“Sure.” She turns and scurries off.

I guide Perry, as best I can since he’s stubborn, into Julio’s shop.