_Avery's POV_
The next morning, I woke up feeling a little better. My mind was still heavy from the whirlwind of emotions over the past few days, but today I had something to focus on: shopping with my mom for the Selene Festival. It was the perfect distraction, and I was grateful for it.
After a quick breakfast, we set off to the stores. My mom’s excitement was palpable in the air. She was practically bouncing in her seat as we drove, talking non-stop about the festival and how I would look so beautiful in whatever dress we found. I didn’t share her enthusiasm but I didn’t want to spoil her mood. She was so happy, and it was hard not to let her excitement rub off on me, even if I had little interest in the event itself.
When we arrived at the shopping center, the rows of boutique store
