MISERY BECOMES ME.

MAYA.

"Shopping 101: you're supposed to buy something, not just try on the entire store," I said sarcastically and Sasha smirked, launching a dress at me like a projectile. I caught it mid-air, narrowly avoiding a face-full of fabric, and shot her an exasperated look. Sasha just chuckled, lounging on the couch like a queen, while I let out a deep sigh – my hundredth of the day, courtesy of her shopping spree antics.

Sasha's expression softened, her brow furrowed with concern. "Maya, what's going on? You can talk to me, you know that, right?" Her voice was gentle, inviting, but I just sighed again, feeling the weight of my emotions bearing down on me.

I'd thought a day out shopping would be the perfect distraction, a chance to clear my head and shake off the lingering tension. But now, surrounded by the chaos of the mall, I realized I'd been mistaken. The noise, the crowds, the constant stimulation – it was all just exacerbating my frustration, making everything feel worse.