CHAPTER 45

As Alvin had planned, they spent the day at the mall, shopping for things his house still needed—essentials like a fridge, TV, and other items. The way he easily entrusted her with picking out the furniture, curtains, and even the bedsheets made her feel a strange sense of responsibility, as if she were arranging a home they might share, although she quickly shook off the thought.

They wandered through the polished floors of the mall, weaving between stores filled with an array of shiny appliances and designer furnishings. The air was cool, filled with the hum of chatter and the occasional clink of cutlery from the nearby food court. The scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread. It was a normal afternoon for many, but for Patricia, it felt strangely surreal.

As they strolled past the vibrant display windows, Alvin glanced at her with a small smile, his eyes twinkling under the soft glow of the mall’s lights. “You’ve got good t