I knew I made the right choice the moment I entered the check-out line at the store. I held my prize in my hand, as gingerly as though it were a baby bird, and my confidence was only boosted when the attractive cashier gave me a knowing smile. It was an unexpected addition to my weekly groceries, but I couldn't resist. I couldn't smell it in the bustling public, but once I returned to my humble abode the gently sweet scent of roses filled my lungs. It wasn't intoxicating like the glass-bottled perfumes my mother held hostage in her bathroom, and it wasn't faint like a scratch-and-sniff sticker that had been scratched one too many times. No, this scent was delightful, a perfectly woven harmony of satisfying and fleeting. It was like a ballet in my nose where the dancers pranced in fluffy pink tutus. It made me feel like I was drifting in golden hour clouds with a comfort that was previously only achieved when eating those artificial strawberry candies that I got as a prize for finishing piano practice when I was young. As my lungs filled with this addictive scent, I had no doubt about it; this was the best rose oil lotion I'd ever bought.

~

From the Golden Quill Society Creative Writing Marathon day 2 prompt. Inspired by a trip to Trader Joe's.