Blossom-zine - Spring 2022
Blooming Together Written by Mel Urciuoli Illustrated by Cynthia Lee
Finnie leaned against the doorframe of her room as she watched Sebastian collect his things. He glanced up at her. “Something on your mind?” he asked. Finnie blinked. “I want a new nickname for you.” Sebastian’s eyebrows drew together as he finished packing his things into his backpack. “Why? I mean I’m not opposed, but what brought it up?” She shrugged. “I dunno, ‘babe’ just seems kind of boring.” “Okay, babe,” he teased. “Hey, I didn’t say it was bad! It’s just so…common, I guess? Like it’s a good fallback, but I want something that’s more…ours.” Finnie picked up her own bag and the couple left their apartment, heading for the elevators. “Don’t nicknames need to happen naturally though?” Finnie scrunched up her nose. “Can I not try to be cute on purpose?” “You know what I meant,” Sebastian replied, mimicking her expression. “Hey.” Finnie faked indignation as Sebastian pressed the elevator button and slung an arm around her shoulders. “I love you,” he said quietly against her temple. “Yeah, yeah, love you too.” She leaned into him as they waited for the elevator to arrive. When it did they stepped in together and waited quietly for the light to ding on and doors to open. “Do you want a new nickname for you too?” Sebastian asked as they fell into step walking outside. Finnie shrugged again. 18
Poets and Writers Coalition SJSU
