Along the way to the mall, the car moved smoothly through the morning traffic.
Emily glanced sideways at Amelia while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.
"So" she said casually, "what exactly are you planning to buy today?"
Amelia stared ahead, her fingers resting lightly on her bag.
"I don't know" she replied honestly. "I'll just see what catches my eye."
Emily sighed softly. She slowed slightly at a traffic light, then turned to look at Amelia properly.
"You're turning twenty-three soon" she said. "Yet you still dress like you're trying to disappear into the crowd."
Amelia didn't reply. She turned her face toward the window, watching buildings slide past one after another. Emily noticed the way her shoulders stiffened but didn't push further.
The mall soon came into view.
Emily drove down into the underground parking lot and found a spot. The engine shut off, and the quiet settled between them for a moment.
