The mall was buzzing with weekend energy—echoes of chatter, the faint beat of music from a nearby store, and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon pretzels drifting through the air. Patty bounced at your side, her blonde hair swaying with every exaggerated skip she took. Kid and Liz had split off about fifteen minutes ago to look for something “important”, leaving you alone with Patty and her boundless energy.

“Okay, okay,” Patty said, practically dragging you toward a store with bright neon signage and way too many stuffed animals in the window. “We’re going in here first!”

“Patty, we don’t need—”

“Yes, we do!” she interrupted with a wide grin, already stepping through the doors. “Come on, look at them! They’re so fluffy! They’re calling to us!” You followed reluctantly, though you had to admit the display was impressive. Rows upon rows of plush toys stared at you with glassy eyes—some adorable, others just… unsettling. Patty immediately picked up a giant stuffed llama in pastel rainbow colors, hugging it like it was a long-lost friend.

“Isn’t it perfect?” she said, turning to you.

“It’s bigger than my torso,” you pointed out.

“Exactly,” she replied, as if that was the only reason needed to buy it. She then shoved it into your arms without warning. “Here, hold my emotional support llama.” You nearly dropped it. “Emotional support?”

“Yup. He’s my best friend now. But not, like, replacing you or anything,” she added, her tone mock-serious. “You’re still my shopping buddy number one.” From there, Patty flitted between aisles like a whirlwind—trying on novelty hats, holding up sunglasses shaped like stars, and making you model a scarf with tiny ducks on it. Her laugh was loud and contagious every time she saw something.

Eventually, you ended up in the food court with Patty, the rainbow llama squished into the chair beside her. She was sipping on an oversized soda, swinging her legs as she recounted how she was this close to buying a glittery cowboy hat before deciding it wasn’t “chaotic enough.”

Somewhere in the crowd, you could vaguely spot Kid and Liz in the distance, still caught up in their own shopping mission. But honestly? You were having more fun right here—watching Patty dramatically retell how she “rescued” the llama from the shelf like it was a daring heist.