Vanilla are small white dots. Chocolate are brown tight curls. Strawberry are pastel pink stars. Citrus ranges from orange dots, to strawberry-blonde loose curls, depending on what it is. Alice smiles as she waits in line for ice cream; oh, that one is soft green dashes. “May I help you?” The guy asked from the other side. “What’s that one?” Alice pointed towards the one she’s never seen before. “Peppermint,” he answered, somewhat annoyed. “Oh, that one please!” Alice rejoiced, as she gave the guy the money. Alice grabbed the cone with her right hand as she headed outside. “Peppermint,” she mumbled to herself as she saw the green dashes entwine in the air. She licks the ice cream cone a few times as she stood still, looking at everyone passing by. What she would give to be normal. Alice mouth slightly twitched. Everything is just so… overwhelming. Sweat are gray outlines of circles. Water are blue teardrops. Dirt are brown squares. Alice pinches the bridge of her nose, calming herself down.

“Excuse me,” a small faint voice cried out from behind her. Alice turned around, noticing a young child no older than 8 next to her. “Have you seen my mommy?” the child asked between gasps of air. Alice scanned her smells. Tears. Dirt. And, perfume? Alice blinked a few times. 20% vanilla, 45% citrus, 35% some type of floral smell. “I haven't seen her,” Alice said as she searched around the young child, soon finding the scent of the perfume, “but I can help you find her.” Alice smiled, grabbing onto the child’s arm, leading her. Alice finds a trash can, looks at the child, back at the ice cream and sighs, throwing her ice cream away and continues on the track. The scent was a mess, zigzagging from store to store, even going in a few circles here and there. “Ah,” Alice mumbled as she spotted a lady with the perfume. She seems to be talking to two cops. 

“Mommy!” the young girl cried out, running towards her. “Jen!” the mother gasped, falling onto her knees, hugging her child. The two cops stared baffled; Alice nodded and began walking off. “Mommy, mommy, she helped me mommy!” Jen cried out, tugging her mother’s arm. The mother wiped away a tear and stood up, holding Jen’s hand. “Is there anything I can do for you?” the mother pledged. “Oh, no ma’am,” Alice smiled, shaking her hand. “Here,” the lady pulls out a card from her purse, “call me if you ever need help,” she hands Alice the card, “we’re in your debit.” Alice looks down at the business card. Pirjo Ferguson. 

“Ferguson-” Alice trailed off, “W-wait? THAT Pirjo Ferguson?” Alice stuttered. Pirjo blinked a few times, then giggled, bringing a finger to her lips. “Shh,” Pirjo whispered. “What’s your name?” Jen cheerfully asked. “Um. Alice. Alice Linden,” Alice said, still dumbfounded.

“Ms. Linden,” one of the nearby cops coughed, “I would like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind. “Sure,” Alice agreed. “You see-” “Young Jen disappeared, and you so happened to find her so fast, leading her to Mrs. Ferguson with no help. You didn’t do this for the reward, did you?” The younger cop sucked his teeth. “Officer Silva,” The older cop warned. “The perfume,” Alice admitted, “Jen smelled like a certain perfume, and I followed it.” “What?” Officer Silva snared. “I have a good… nose?” Alice chuckled. “Are you shitting me?” Officer Silva yelled. “Well,” Alice added, looking at Officer Silva, scanning him head to toes, “Did you have a bad break up? You haven’t showered in a few days. You also smell like cheap beer and cigarettes, as well as Chinese take out,” Alice half smiled, “Plus, I'm pretty sure you stepped on dog poop on your left foot.” Officer Silva turned pale, picked up his foot and noticed she was right. He stared at his partner, then looked back down. 

“Impressive,” Pirjo sang, “How would you like to work for me, Ms. Alice?” “Yes, yes; then I can play with her,” Jen giggled. “H-huh?” Alice blinked a few times. “We’re going to have so much fun,” Jen ran up to Alice and grabbed her by her hand, and pulled her away. “I expect you to shower soon, officer,” Pirjo laughed. “Yes ma’am,” Officer Silva stuttered, still looking down. She then followed Jen and Alice. Officer Silva looked at his partner, Officer Oden, who then sighed, tapping Officer Silva on the shoulder.