𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣'𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙣

𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆

Saturn
• • •

I had been avoiding Jupiter for nearly a month now. However, when he showed up at the bookshop one April afternoon, it appeared that my time to avoid him had expired.

"Saturn," He said, looking as surprised to see me at the desk as I was to see him in my workplace.

"Hello," I said, my voice scarcely surpassing a whisper.

Jupiter hesitantly approached me. "H-how have you been?" he stammered.

"Alright," I replied blandly, "what brings you in?" My impromptu strategy was to treat my brother as though he were any other customer in the shop.

Jupiter fidgeted with his collar. The awkwardness between us was nearly unbearable. "I actually came to get something for you," He admitted, "I had forgotten about your job here."

At first, I was sure I had heard him wrong. Jupiter was here to buy something for me. Was it some sort of peace offering? "That's very thoughtful," I said, "but why?"

"Well...your birthday is coming up," Jupiter replied, "I thought I might find a book for you here. But you have probably read them all by now."

I couldn't help but grin. "I haven't read the ones on the top shelves," I said, "I can't reach them."

Jupiter thought this was quite amusing. "Perfect," He said, "I'll start there." He turned to begin his search but hesitated. I couldn't fathom how he was treating me so normally after our argument remained unresolved. I braced myself for what was to come. "Saturn, I'm really sorry I walked away that night," Jupiter said after collecting his thoughts, "you're right. When Mom died, I became so selfish. My biggest regret is leaving you. I just couldn't face my grief, not to mention the guilt of...what I said about Mom."

I folded my hands in my lap. It was hard for me to process his apology after awaiting it for years. In my mind, Jupiter had become a villain who would never admit he was wrong. It was incomprehensible for him to finally come forward like this. "I appreciate your apology," I said softly, "I think Mom would be really proud of how we've reunited this year. She would never hold this against you, so neither should I."

Jupiter nodded, looking beyond relieved by my forgiveness. "I think so too," He agreed, "hey, is Calvin working by any chance? I owe him an apology as well. I was a complete jackass on Valentine's Day, and the night of...you know."

"He's out getting lunch for us," I said, checking my watch, "he should be back in a few minutes."

Just then, the little bell above the door dinged. Calvin froze at the sight of Jupiter and I. "What are you doing here?" he asked, a protective edge to his tone.

"I-" Jupiter began.

"-It's fine, Cal, we're cool now," I interjected, "he's just here to buy a book."

Calvin looked skeptical. He crossed the room, not tearing his eyes off of my brother. He set down the paper bag of food we'd ordered, then approached him. "Come with me," he said. I went to follow them. "Saturn, stay put," Calvin ordered. Jupiter appeared as though he wanted to say something about Calvin's tone, but thankfully he held his tongue.

The two of them went into the back room, and I prayed that Calvin would go easy on my brother. I took out my lunch and began to eat at the desk when I recalled a small thing called eavesdropping. I hurried to the door, hoping I hadn't missed too much of their conversation.

"What were you thinking coming in here?" Calvin asked, struggling to keep his voice at an appropriate volume.

"I swear, I just wanted to find something for Saturn's birthday," Jupiter said, "I had forgotten she even worked here. I never would have come into her workplace to sort out a dispute."