This story is currently up on my Patreon and will come to DA on Jan 10 (or possibly sooner for the holidays)

              Carien closed the gates to the Jenny Downs Department store and sighed. “What a day.

I can’t wait to get home and relax with Sarah.”

              “Excuse me miss.”

              Carien turned around to see a young lady who had to be just a year younger than Carien staring at her. “Can I get inside for a moment? I just need to buy something real quick.”

              “I am sorry, but we are closed.”

              The young lady clasped her hands together. “Please. I just need one thing.”

              Carien shook her head. “We are closed.”

              “Hey, where is your holiday spirit?” She looked at Carien’s nametag. “Carien. It is almost Christmas, and don’t you want to make some little kids' days bright?”

              “We are a clothing store.” Carien crossed her arms. “When I was a kid, it was a nightmare to get clothes for Christmas.”

              The lady sighed. “Look, I just need to get in there to buy a gift, ok.” She grabbed Carien’s hands. “My name is Vess. I would have been here earlier, but I just have been running all over town and couldn’t find what I needed.”

              “I just can’t. . .”

              Vess smiled, and her blue eyes sparkled in the dim mall light. “Hey, it will be our little secret, ok?”

              Carien sighed. “Fine.” She turned around and opened the gate to the store. “But you are in and out in a few minutes. My boss would have me work for the entire holiday season if he realized I did this for you.”

              Vess smiled. “Thank you so much.” She shook Carien’s hand. “Thank you and thank you again. Merry Christmas.” She rushed into the store.

              Carien crossed her arms. “Just hurry up.” She looked out into the mall. “I am ready to head home for the weekend.”

              She tapped her foot as she waited on Vess; minute after minute passed. Still, she didn’t see the young lady emerge from the store. “Vess? Where are you?” Carien took a step into the store. “I thought you said you were going to get what you needed and go. I am not going to play hide and seek.”

              Carien covered her hands as a loud crash erupted from the back of the store, and a dust cloud flew into her face. “Ugh.” Carien shook her head and spat the loose debris from her face. “What in the world was that?”