Ashley’s daydream was cut short by a polite voice.

“Excuse me, is there anything I can help you with?”

She turned and found a sales assistant standing beside her, smiling.

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m just waiting for my friend who’s picking out clothes,” Ashley replied, pointing toward Valerie, who was busy with another attendant.

The assistant followed her gesture, nodded, but didn’t leave. Instead, they kept exchanging glances with Ashley, as if wanting to say something ...