My alarm clock goes off as I groan and stretch my limbs out.

Already, my mind is racing. After a quick shower, I whipped up some breakfast. Boudin sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs with a can of Voodoo U, a tasty beer imported from New Belgium with a cool-looking skeleton man on the can.

Today was different. I had a specific spot in mind.

The destination? The local pet store. It held a familiar face – Yolanda Perez. She was a close friend and a couple of years younger than me. It had been a while since I visited her, but that would change.

I donned my giant metal funnel hat and stepped outside.

The welcoming breeze of the air felt quite nice out here this Sunday morning. It wasn't scorching hot like it usually would be in the Deep South, nor was it annoyingly chilly, where it felt like dogs were gnawing at your face. It was just right.

l had taken out my wallet to grab some change for the bus stop since my car needed a break. Plus, gas wasn't getting any cheaper, so riding on the bus was the next best thing.

I took in the familiar sights as the bus cruised downtown: live concerts, museums, and tempting restaurants, some of which are the few things I don't entirely hate about this place.

The state's priorities, though? A different story.

My attention was grabbed by a local joint called "Rockin Rebel Willys," which serves one of my favorite dishes, Huevos Rancheros.

It had the charm of a typical Louisiana local spot, complete with worn and wobbly wooden tables, mismatched squeaky chairs, and walls donned with dated paintings and faded posters. The air was always thick with the oily but savory scent of fried food and a hint of spices and something sweet.

It wasn't too far from the pet store, so I pulled the bus cord as the blur of strangers outside came into focus, and soon I was back on the bustling street.

I had to be extra careful because I almost tripped and fell on a cracked sidewalk for a third time. This state's money should go somewhere useful instead of casinos and stadiums.

I could barely feel any sort of air circulation as I entered the joint, the overhead ceiling fans trying their best to beat the Southern heat. The menu was written on a chalkboard behind the counter, offering delights like gumbo and beignets, all looking good enough to eat. But I can't get distracted. I need to get those Huevos Rancheros and head back to the bus.

As I watched the city pass by through the window, I couldn’t help to wonder if any of this mattered. The people, the constant grind of life—waiting for something to change, even when waiting gets you no where. And above all, I felt invisible to the world. The thought of not making an impact struck fear into me. Was I just another face in the crowd, fading away as an after thought as the city moves on without me?

Maybe I'm just overthinking.

After the usual uncomfortable experience of being on public transport, I finally made it to the pet store.

It wasn’t much a looker from the outside, but the true beauty came from inside. As I entered, the bell chimed a cheerful tune, salsa music played in the background, and a distinct lavender scent hung in the air, evoking memories of someone special linked to Yolanda. The faint aroma stirred a sense of loss that weighed heavy in my heart, but my brain blocked it. Before I could dwell on these memories any further, the voice of Yolanda interrupted my thoughts.

"Oh, Dios Mio! Hermano Foil?!?" she shouted, standing at the front desk.

Her presence was hard to ignore.

I extended my hand out to her with a lunch bag, lightly shaking it. "Ay, Yo-yo!!"

Her smile faded before she spoke again, eyeing me up and down with her sharp, dark brown eyes through her circular glasses. "Florence, what are you doing here unannounced? It is not like you to show up out of nowhere."

"I wanted to have lunch with you. I got Los Huevos!"

"As much as I appreciate the gesture, I cannot just drop everything and go to lunch right now. I have work to do."

I walked over with a smirk and set the bag on her desk. "Come on, Yolanda. Who'd want to turn down a free meal?".

She chuckled, her resistance beginning to waver. "Well, I suppose you have a point there. But still, I really should—"

I interrupted, leaning closer to the desk with a persuasive tone. "Think about it. Succulent Huevos Rancheros, on the house. Doesn't that sound good?"

Her walls quickly broke down. "Oh, alright, you win, Foil. You know how irresistible they are."

"Cool, let's sit down somewhere and catch up." I scanned the store for an empty spot until I saw an area that caught my eye—the hypnotizing flickering lights and the uneasy atmosphere it gave off. I diverted my attention elsewhere and found the perfect place.

We pulled up some chairs, and Yolanda went straight down to business.

"I missed you, Florence. But it feels like I am always the one reaching out. What is up with that? Are you trying to avoid me?"

She was clearly frustrated, something I'm not exactly used to seeing from her.

"Oh, right. Look, it's not like that." I shrugged nonchalantly, turning to the distractingly vibrant fish in their tanks lining the walls of the pet store. "I wasn't trying to avoid you. I have a lot on my mind."

"And what is that, exactly?" she asked.

I hesitated, my gut-wrenching at the pit of my stomach, having kept Yolanda in the dark about my struggles. "Eh, you know how it is. Just been keeping busy with work and such."

Ever so skeptical, Yolanda told me, "Do not give me that vague answer. I know there is more going on in that head of yours than just work."

My gaze dropped to the floor. "No, really, I'm fine. Just dealing with some stuff, you know?". I knew exactly what I was struggling with, but it was hard to articulate.

She reached out and patted my hand. "Well, just know that I am here for you, OK? You do not have to go through whatever you are going through alone."

I nodded and told her, "I appreciate you looking out for me. But you need to ease up some, huh."

"Of course, I worry too much. But now that we are catching up, did you watch that new show I talked about a while ago?" Yolanda asked, trying to shift the topic to something lighter.

I leaned back, admitting, "Ah, no, not yet. But I'll get around to it eventually."

Her eyes widened in disbelief, "Oh, come on, it is not that hard! You have time to watch some of the same dang shows repeatedly; how come it is taking you so long to watch this one series?"

I countered, pointing furiously, saying, "I have been watching other shows. Besides, you told me yourself that it took nearly three months to finish two series!"

Yolanda's annoyance grew evident as she insisted, "Well, can you at least read the manga? It is better anyway."

"Eh," I shrugged. "I guess I'll sail the seas online and..."

"No!" she yelled, putting her dukes up. "You better buy some prints or go to the library!"

"Alright, alright, take it easy," I chuckled, playfully raising my hands in surrender.

Suddenly, the mesmerizing room with its flickering light caught my eyes again. The room was calling my name.

"Hey, does that wall seem strange to you?" I asked, pointing to the area behind us.

She frowned, following my gaze. "Uh, sure, the wall does look a bit odd, I guess. Walls can be deceiving sometimes, no big deal."

Without hesitation, I stood up and walked over to the wall, my curiosity getting the best of me. "I'm going to take a closer look."

Yolanda watched with intrigue as I reached out and started peeling away the wallpaper, revealing what seemed to be a false wall. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she forced a gulp sound.

"Florence, what are you doing?"

"I think there's something behind this wall," I replied, my excitement growing.

As I began to punch on the wall, Yolanda urgently screamed, "Don't worry about it, Foil! Don't touch it, don't ruin it!"

I paused, taken aback by her sudden outburst. "What's behind this wall?"

She took a deep breath, her expression conflicted. "It's, er, uh, a little science lab that I have back there."

I struggled to process that statement. Yolanda was many things, but a scientist wasn't one that immediately came to mind. Still, I trusted her enough to give her the benefit of the doubt and decided to hear her out.

"Look, I know it's hard to believe, but I have been conducting experiments there for a while now. I just... I did not know how to tell you. Or anyone for that matter."

I studied her face, searching for any hint of deception, but all I saw was sincerity. With a shrug, I decided to take her at her word.

"Alright, show me what you've got," I said, stepping back to let her take the lead.

She smiled gratefully." I will show you everything I have to offer."

I slyly asked, "Do the owners know what you're doing back there?"

Yolanda chuckled with a bit of defiance in her tone. "Let's just say they are better off not knowing. Trust me, it is for a good cause. Come along now, dear Foil..."

The whole area was spacious. Machinery and electrical devices hummed and whirred while neatly labeled test tubes lined the shelves. I'm proud of what Yolanda accomplished here.

However, the place smells. It reminds me of my apartment, reeking of sadness and emptiness. But with the added bonus of circus stench. A very stuffy feeling with the stink of animal crap.

Yolanda piped up before I could even ask what this nuttiness was. "Now that you are here, what do you think about helping me with my experiments?"

I was taken aback by her unexpected request. "Oh well, what in particular do you need help with?"

Yolanda's smile widened, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "I have this new experiment that I have been working on, and I think your DNA could help me test it out," she explained. "It is all part of my latest project, and I could use your help if you are willing."

...

DNA?

Why would I even do that?

Why would she want to do this?

Doesn't she see the absolute chaotic mess within these walls surrounding her that she created?

"For…?"

Yolanda hesitated, then took a deep breath, her excitement barely masking her uncertainty.

'You see, I've been researching genetic material for DNA splicing and such. And we needed another human subject, and I guessed that you were the closest thing to a human I know who does not live far from here."

Despite her sincerity, doubts still lingered in my mind. She has good intentions, but does she know what she's getting into?

"Where are these subjects you've been experimenting with?"

"They are in a different section of the lab. You will see soon enough."

She met my gaze evenly before she changed up the subject. "You know, here is a thought. Do you ever feel like life is missing a few crucial pieces, Foil?"

Her statement puzzled me, but I decided to play along. "Sure, sometimes."

"This project I have been working on might fill in those missing pieces," Yolanda explained. "It is fixing what is broken, tinkering with the threads of existence. And this store is a haven for creatures that deserve love and care. These hybrids are our chance to make a real difference and push the boundaries of what is possible. The idea of meddling with the very essence of life resonated within me. Sure, some experiments did not turn out as well as I hoped, but we learn from our mistakes and find a solution. So, will you be a part of this journey?"

The decision weighed on me, a crossroads between reason and the unknown. Who knows what kind of horrific mesh of flesh and bone she might concoct with my genes?

As Yolanda awaited my response, I finally got an idea of what to say to her.

"You are a passionate young lady," I said. "But I'm not sure I can agree to this. I have a feeling that something's gonna go down. I'm not ready to risk everything for the sake of experimentation."

Her expression softened, and she nodded. "I get it. It is a lot to ask, and I respect your decision. Just know that the offer still stands if you ever change your mind. And whatever you decide, I understand".

Despite reaching an agreement, there was still a lingering itch that I needed to scratch. Why the familiar lavender smell? Who was the person that was related to Yolanda?

I carefully considered my question. "You know, there's just one thing that's been bothering me," I asked, trying to be more casual. "Do you usually spray lavender around here?"

Yolanda raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the unexpected question. "Huh? Well, yeah. It is a very iconic smell. Why do you ask?"

I shrugged, noticing a slight change in her demeanor. "Just curious, I guess. I couldn't help but notice it earlier, and it reminded me of somebody who used to wear lavender perfume, but I can't remember who."

"Erm, that is strange," she replied, her voice neutral. "Perhaps it is just a coincidence."

"Perhaps," I began cautiously. "How's your family doing? You get to catch up with them often, right?"

And then, as I glanced at her, I saw a flicker of something in her eyes, a brief moment of hesitation that betrayed her facade of indifference. It was quickly masked by a forced smile, leaving me with a lingering sense of unease.

here was more to this lavender-scented memory than meets the eye. She had to be hiding something, something she wasn't ready—or willing—to share.

"Oh, you know," she replied vaguely, avoiding eye contact as she fidgeted with some paperwork. "Families... they are complicated."

And with that, I could tell she was feeling extremely uncomfortable, and I felt like I had worn out my welcome.

"Yeah, I get it," I said quickly, attempting to lighten the mood. "Family stuff can be tricky. Anyway, I should probably get going. Nice seeing you again, Yo-yo. I'll catch you later."

Yolanda nodded, grateful for the opportunity to change the subject. "Yeah, see you around, Foil."

I snapped back to reality as the commotion faded. The fluorescent smell of lavender hit me one last time before I left for the time being.

I need to figure out what is going on in Yolanda's mind without being intrusive. I don't want to lose her trust, but I can't get involved with what she could be hiding.

But if one thing is clear, whatever she's working on, there's no possibility of turning back.

Another day in the urban jungle ends.