Chapter 56

Mia's Pov

It was the official girls day out. So Anastasia, Julia and I were on our trip to the mall. The mall was a kaleidoscope of colors, an ever-shifting maze of shops and people. I could feel the energy humming in the air, a buzz of excitement that seemed to fuel our marathon shopping spree. Julia was in her element, flitting from store to store with the grace of a seasoned professional. Anastasia, on the other hand, was starting to flag, her usual spark dimming as the hours wore on.

"Guys, can we please take a break?" Anastasia's voice cracked slightly, betraying her fatigue. Her normally composed demeanor was slipping, and I could see the sheen of sweat on her forehead. “I'll fuckign pass out of hunger if we don't.”

Julia turned to her with a sympathetic smile, but there was a determined gleam in her eye. "Just one more store, Anastasia. There's this dress I've been dying to try on, and then we can have lunch. I promise."

I nodded in agreement, although I felt a twinge of guilt.