She had a small, pale face framed by silky strands of blonde hair that fell in a flawless curtain around her cheeks. There was a shy, almost fragile air about her, and with her porcelain skin and doll-like features, she seemed like she belonged on a stage or magazine cover rather than in the middle of a bustling mall. Yet, her gaze flitted downward, avoiding any direct eye contact, as if she were trying to shrink from the attention her presence naturally drew.

She stood by the escalator, fumbling with her phone and a shopping bag, clearly trying to balance too many things at once. Just as she shifted her weight, something slipped from her grip—a glossy compact mirror tumbling to the ground, clattering at your feet.

You bent down to pick it up, glancing up just as she looked at you with wide, surprised eyes like she hadn’t expected anyone to help. Up close, her small, delicate features seemed even more striking. Her bleach blonde hair framed her face, soft waves falling around her shoulders, and her pale skin caught the warm overhead lights, giving her a faint glow.

She wore a white baby tee with a large embroidered bow across the front, simple yet striking, drawing just enough attention without overwhelming her slight frame. Over it, a blush pink cashmere bolero hugged her shoulders, its cozy, rosy hue blending with her natural blush and matching her miniskirt, dotted with tiny, multicolored embroidered flowers

“Thank you,” she said, her cheeks turning the slightest shade of pink as she accepted the compact back, tucking it into her small Victoria’s Secret bag. Under the warm overhead lights, her skin seemed to have a glow of its own, and when she smiled—a soft, tentative curve of her lips—a dimple appeared on her left cheek, adding a touch of warmth to her otherwise delicate look.