Ramon glanced down at himself. He had just come straight from inspecting one of his construction sites outside the city. His old T-shirt was dusty, his jeans worn, and his slippers still streaked with dried mud.
Still, he smiled and nodded.
“Alright,” he said. “Let’s go get it.”
They stepped into Luxe Mall hand in hand. Heads turned immediately. The place was filled with people in polished shoes, expensive perfume, and tailored outfits.
Ramon and Nina smelled of heat, dust, and honest labor.
HUM:ILIATION INSIDE THE STORE
They entered Velvet & Gold, one of the mall’s most upscale bag and toy boutiques.
A saleswoman named Glenda immediately blocked their path, her eyes sweeping Ramon from head to toe.
“Excuse me,” she said sharply. “Begging isn’t allowed here. Please leave. Your slippers are dirtying the floor.”
“I’m not begging,” Ramon replied calmly. “My daughter wants that doll on display. I’m here to buy it.”
