The moment they stepped into the mall. Kyle knew he had made a mistake.
It was loud. Crowded. Way too many people for his liking.
Children ran past with ice cream in their hands, leaving sticky trails behind.
Music thumped from the nearby stores. The smell of perfume, fried food, and sugary drinks mixed into the air like a confusing fog.
Bright lights flashed from window displays. And every few seconds. Someone's laughter would cut through the noise.
Kyle walked behind Aurelia and Seraphina like a lost puppy.
Both girls didn't seem to care about the crowd. They looked completely at home.
Aurelia walked like a queen, chin high, every step calm and confident.
Seraphina was the opposite. Bouncy and full of energy. Like she was born to be in a place like this.
Her bright pink hair swayed with every step. Drawing attention from half the people they passed.
And they were getting attention.
