Leo's throat clicked with thirst. He spotted a familiar glass bottle on the kitchen counter — shaped just like Grandpa's cola bottles. He lifted it to his lips. But the smell was sharp and wrong.
A large hand covered Leo's, gentle but firm. "That's not cola, Leo," Grandpa said, tapping the bottle. "Some bottles look alike, but inside can be very different." Leo stared at the amber liquid swirling inside.
"Can I see the other bottles?" Leo asked. Grandpa opened the cupboard door. Inside, a row of identical glass bottles stood in a line. Leo's fingers hovered over each one. "Which one is safe?"
Grandpa smiled. "Ask me first, every time." Later, Leo found another bottle sitting on the kitchen counter. He called out, "Grandpa?"
Grandpa appeared, grinning. "That's ginger ale, Leo. Safe to drink." Leo took a long swig, then handed the bottle to Grandpa. "Your turn."
They clinked bottles. Leo took another drink and laughed. Grandpa chuckled beside him. The kitchen filled with the sound of their shared joy, simple and bright.
Leo wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked at Grandpa, then at the row of bottles in the cupboard, then back at Grandpa. He nodded. "Okay."
Leo picked up his ginger ale and held it carefully, just like Grandpa had shown him. He took a sip, smiled, and passed it back. Grandpa nodded. "Good boy."