12 items or less
Each story’s first sentence had to include something being POPPED.
Each story had to include a character referencing a FILM title.
Each story had to include the words LEAP, BOTTLE and SHADOW.
The second they lock eyes, vivid green meeting striking blue, a supercut of imagery bursts into her mind.
Steamed coffee and toasted pastries, tucking a stray lock of hair behind an ear. Hands intertwined, fresh cut grass, chasing shadows in the afternoon haze. Cuddling under blankets, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ in widescreen, raindrops pelting harshly against the window. A car rumbles down the highway in uncomfortable silence. Champagne flutes clink over the splash of the harbour shoreline. Golden rings glimmer in the sunlight; a white, lacey veil drifts in the breeze. Bottles warm on the countertop in the hue of the open refrigerator. A piercing cry echoes down the hallway, soothed by a cradle. Tiny feet sprint across the carpet, leaping into outstretched arms.
“Miss?”
Her paper bag is overflowing with potato chips and sweets. The system blinks, waiting expectantly for her credit card. The cue of people behind her grows ever longer.
Groceries in hand, she chances one final look. Their eyes catch again as he watches her leave.
