I fully face her, a smile on my lips. “So I’m the first?”
“Shut up and go away!”
“No.”
“No?”
“This park is for everyone.”
“Fine. I’ll g
o.” She removes her hands from her face. It’s still full of tears and messed up glitter, but the look from earlier is gone. She’s not surprised or taken off guard.
Why isn’t she?
“If you stay, I’ll tell you a secret,” I say as she gathers her doll.
“What secret?” She doesn’t attempt to move, her eyes widening again, but it’s out of curiosity this time, not surprise like earlier.
The dusk’s sun casts a golden hue on her hair and turns the blue of her eyes lighter and brighter.
“Are you sure you want to know? This secret will keep us together for life.”
“F-for life?”
“Yes, Butterfly. For life.”
She scowls. “Why are you calling me that?”
“What?”
“Butterfly.”
“You have one on your hair.” I motion at her dress’s waist. “And on your clothes. Do you want to fly like one?”
“I do.” Her expression brightens.
“Why?”
“Because, you know, they’re so beautiful and everyone smiles when they see them. They bring happiness and light.”
“They’re cockroaches with wings.”
“Shut up. Don’t say that about them.”
“There are some butterflies who die in a day.”
A crease forms in her forehead as she folds her arms. “You’re a meanie.”
“And you’re unrealistic.”
“I’m leaving.”
“I thought you wanted to know the secret? Or are you a coward?”
“I’m not a coward.”
“So you want to know?”