THE mall was bustling with activity, the air filled with festive chatter and the soft hum of Christmas carols. The vibrant decorations, twinkling lights, garlands, and oversized ornaments, cast a warm glow over the space, as shoppers hurried about, their arms loaded with gifts and holiday essentials.
Jasmine walked beside Salma, a shopping basket in hand. Salma, in her usual vibrant demeanor, was flipping through a list she had scribbled on her phone.
“So,” Salma began, breaking the silence, “how was Karissa this morning? Any better?”
Jasmine had already briefed her about her (Karissa) reaction to the truth she revealed to her the previous night.
Jasmine let out a soft sigh, picking up a pack of ornaments and placing them in the basket.
“Not really,” she admitted. “She didn’t ev
