I walked slowly through the polished halls of the department store, my eyes scanning the signs until I found the women's shoe section. If I were buying something for myself, I would have checked every bargain bin in the city. But this wasn't for me. This was a gift for Elara.
I had spent hours online trying to figure out which brands were the best, but this store didn't have the specific ones I had seen in the photos. I knew I could order them online, but that would take a week, and I didn't want to wait. I needed to do this now, while the memory of the villa was still warm in my skin.
I walked into the most expensive-looking boutique in the aisle among those visible.
"Welcome," a woman in a sharp suit said, bowing slightly. "Are you looking for anything in particular?"
I hesitated.
Even though I had been here with Elara before, I felt out of place. It was embarrassing to try and pick something out alone.
