Electric in the Aisle

Maya's mom was doing that thing again. The 'let me put spinach in everything' thing.

"It's just a smoothie, Maya. You won't even taste it."

Maya stared at the green sludge in the blender like it was radioactive waste. Her phone buzzed in her pocket — probably Chloe or Jayden asking about the party tonight. The one she wasn't sure she was ready for.

"Mom, I'm fifteen. I can decide what goes in my body."

"So mature." Her mom grinned. "Just like you were when you named him Nemo."

Maya's eyes shot to the bowl on the counter. Carnival prize from three years ago, won because some guy thought her smile was cute. The goldfish had outlived his welcome and most of her dignity.

"Nemo is fine. He's loyal. Unlike some people."

Her mom raised an eyebrow. "Someone from school?"

Maya's pocket buzzed again. She pulled out her iPhone, the screen lighting up with Tyler's name. Tyler, who'd sat next to her in bio since September. Tyler, who she'd caught looking at her during lab last week when they were supposed to be observing onion cells.

'hey, u going tonight?'

Her fingers hovered over the screen. The spinach smoothie situation suddenly felt very far away.

"What did I say about boys?" Her mom smirked.

"Nothing! I mean, we're just lab partners. He's just..." Maya groaned. "I don't know. It's weird. I get this feeling like—"

"Like lightning?" her mom offered softly.

Maya blinked. Outside, the sky had gone dark. Thunder rumbled in the distance, sudden and close. A storm was rolling in fast.

"Yeah," Maya whispered. "Exactly like that."

Her mom pushed the smoothie toward her. "Well, you've got two choices, kid. Stay here with me and Nemo, or go out there and get struck."

Maya looked at the goldfish swimming in endless circles, then at the rain starting to streak down the window. She typed back:

'yeah. see u at 7'

The reply came instantly: 'can't wait'

"I'm taking the smoothie," Maya said, grabbing a cup. "But I'm adding berries."

"Deal." Her mom winked. "And Maya? Don't forget to breathe."

Outside, lightning flashed across the sky, brilliant and sudden and terrifyingly perfect. Maya grabbed her phone, her heart pounding like something electric was waking up inside her chest.

Some things, she decided, were worth the risk.