When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,8

didn’t buy any passionfruit. Have you ever tried those?” Abby picked up two and handed them to the lady. “They were Steve’s favorite.”

The vendor leaned closer. “People say that it increases your sex drive.” She winked. “That’ll be twenty.”

“Oh, no.” Abby shook her head, flushing pink. “Not me. I don’t need ... I haven’t ... I mean ... never mind.” With cheeks burning red and wetness in her eyes, Abby rushed to the next table selling flowers.

At that moment I realized my sister wasn’t herself. She was always the confident one. She could give anyone a straight answer, even if the topic was awkward.

Ever since we were little, she had been my voice, the one who spoke up for me. I was the shy one, and I couldn’t remember ever seeing her flustered before. Yes, she was still grieving, but I didn’t want her pain to drive her into depression.

I had no one to tie me to Los Angeles anymore. I didn’t love my job. Perhaps it was time for a change.

My sister and I had both been born and raised in Los Angeles, and we’d graduated from USC with degrees in illustration. City life was what made me stay in the first place. Something about the bustle made me feel young and vital.

Shops, theaters, restaurants, and bars—anything you wanted was right there. The night life was alive and fun. In Kauai, stores closed early. Besides water sports, there wasn’t much to do here.

“My sister is ... Thank you.” I didn’t know what to say to the lady as I handed over the money and joined my sister by the flower vendor.

“Tyler. Come here. You’re spilling all over your shirt.” Abby wiped his mouth with a napkin, sounding irritated.

It seemed the fruit vendor had touched a nerve.

“I can’t help it. It’s melting.” He licked faster, orange-yellow juice smeared over his chin.

“Let’s move away.” I gave an apologetic smile to the middle-aged gentleman who seemed nervous Tyler would get the sticky liquid on the hibiscus. “So, I was thinking,” I said as we strolled past more shops. Perhaps I could put her in a better mood.

“About?” Abby threw the used napkins into the trash, her tone still sharp.

I handed her the bag of fruits and grabbed the shaved snow from her.

“I’m thinking maybe I’ll look for a job in Kauai. Then I can move here permanently and be close to you,” I said and took a bite.

The icy treat numbed my mouth and speared through my forehead. I held up a hand as I shivered through the brain freeze. The chill passed and tangy, sweet strawberry flavor melted on my tongue.

I proceeded along the sidewalk, but when I noticed she wasn’t beside me, I grabbed Tyler, who was oblivious to everything except his shaved snow, and waited for Abby to catch up. She had been looking at something through the jewelry store window.

“Are you serious about moving here?” Her eyes widened with a happy glow as she matched my slow steps.

It was a picture-perfect moment. I was tempted to take a photo of her, but I knew she would bite my head off.

I hiked a shoulder. “I’m thinking about it. I have two interviews lined up.”

Living from paycheck to paycheck was arduous and stressful enough. If I wanted to live in Kauai, I needed to find a job.

“What?” She squealed and then lowered her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Even if I get an offer, I might not take it if it doesn’t feel right. You know how much I love the city. I also want to be close to you, but I don’t know how long I can handle being surrounded by water. You understand, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.” Abby softened her voice. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to live here on account of me. I’ll be fine. Ty and I will be fine. We’ll be.”

My heart cracked at her uncertainty. It sounded like she meant to convince herself, not me.

“When’s the interview and where?” Her lips flattened in a thin line, hindering her smile.

“Tomorrow, late afternoon, at Poipu Design.” I took another bite.

“I was going to take you to my gallery but that can wait. Do you need a ride?” She placed the bag of fruits in front of her chest and wrapped her arms around it.

“No, I’m fine. I’ll call a driver. Besides, you need to be at your gallery. Someone has to pay the