Arianne stood near the console table beside the entrance, fastening the buttons of Lily's small wool coat. The coat was a deep red, thick enough to protect against the sharp winter wind. Lily fidgeted while Arianne worked, twisting her shoulders and peering down the hallway as if the house itself might be hiding something interesting.
"Hold still for a moment," Arianne said, smoothing the collar into place. "You were the one who wanted to go out today."
Lily tipped her chin up proudly, though her boots made soft impatient sounds against the marble floor. "I know. But the mall is big. I have to look around first before deciding what clothes I like."
Arianne studied her for a second, the corner of her mouth lifting.
"That sounds like a very careful strategy."
