-Roxy Delgado:
We finally made it to the mall, the steady hum of people and the faint scent of perfumes filling the air as we stepped out of the car. Sloane's steps were careful, measured, almost hesitant, and I immediately noticed how awkwardly she was walking. Her heels clicked sharply against the polished floor, and I could see the tension in her shoulders, the slight wince with every step. My heart tightened just a little, the protective instinct flaring immediately.
I gently closed the space between us and slid my hand into hers. "Hey," I said softly, tilting my head to meet her gaze. "Are you okay? Why are you walking like that?"
Her lips pressed together, and she let out a low sigh, the kind that betrayed more than she wanted to admit. "The heels… they hurt," she admitted, her voice soft and a little strained. "It's not comfortable to go shopping with these. And, uh… Your shoes are too small, smaller than mine by two sizes."
