She admired every perfect line. Every bead of sweat.

Ollie thought back to the day Julz had stumbled into her ballet class. Mila, their ballet teacher, had given her a stern and precise little smile and had immediately targeted her as the prime example of what not to do. In turn, Julz had worked twice as hard. Ollie couldn’t take her eyes off her. She admired every perfect line. Every bead of sweat.

JEWELS BY SHARAI ZAMORA 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 100

Ollie stared at Julz’s long delicate fingers on the steering wheel. They had a ballerina quality to them. “Tell me something,” Julz said.

“Like what?” Ollie couldn’t remember how long it’d been since she’d last said anything.

“Like anything. Tell me something interesting.”

“Did you like the care package I sent you?”

“I did. I don’t think I’ve seen a Kinder Surprise since I was a kid.”

“I know! I asked my mom if she could bring one back for me.”

Julz’s Jeep hit a pothole and the glove compartment fell open. Bills, letters, and photos flooded the floor. Ollie began gathering them up and Julz scr…