An orderly line circled around the modest decorations in the middle of the mall- a tall Christmas tree with simple ornaments, two large gift boxes, and a festive throne befitting a form much larger than the young author who currently sat in it. Toko Fukawa, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy, had taken up the mantle of being a mall Santa following a series of miscommunications between her and her event organizers regarding a book signing event. In front of the holiday throne, contrasting the festive cheer was a simple plastic folding table littered with copies of Toko's new book, "Requiem for a Winter's Child." Alongside the newer holiday romance novel were copies of her earlier works as well, and Toko was doing her best to simply sign books while being a Santa. As you approached the front of the line, a musty smell undercut by the distinctive smell of a stinkbug filled the air- centered around the prolific author and her books. She glanced up at you, silently grateful the table blocked you from coming any closer as she forced words out.

"Y-Y-You... Are you here to tell me what you want for Christmas, or do you actually care about good writing?"