“While that girl who just left the room holds onto her pride, you, strange person, promised me that you’d find me a coat, or that we’d go back to get one of the other ones.”

“I did,” I said. “It might not be a good idea to split me into too many personalities. I’ve already got enough going on.”

“Maybe,” Sveta said. But she took my wrist and she gave me a tug. I didn’t fight, instead catching her at my right side with my arm around her back. Supporting her and half-hugging her at the same time.

Back into the mall, toward a nicer store. I could one hundred percent get why Sveta had wanted to shop in a place like this, to get something that lasted, and that had that extra degree of craftsmanship. Part of the reason I’d had her go to the thrift store with me first, though, had been to get her in the mindset of thinking about possibilities, so she would pick something fitting to her style, even here where things were more in line with one another.

The coat she and I ended up agreeing on as most suited for her wasn’t one I would have worn myself. It was a heavy coat, but worn more like a poncho, top-heavy and Cashmere. A good base to work off of, worn with a nice scarf or nice boots.

“I believe my coworker told you before, our apologies, but we do not allow children in this store.”

I turned around. The Ashleys and Kenzie were on their way in.

“This child is the best behaved child you’ve ever met,” our Ashley said. “I’m a customer, you need customers. Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” the manager said.

“It’s okay,” Kenzie said. “If you take my bag and take my hair clip, you can talk with Ashley, and I’ll go find Erin and the boys.”

“Hang close enough for us to watch out for you,” our Ashley said. She was keeping an eye on Damsel, who was browsing dresses.

“Got it,” Kenzie said, bouncing on the spot before heading to the front of the store, hands clasped behind her back.

“We stopped in here earlier, I found some things I liked. Do you want to give a final verdict?” our Ashley asked me.

“Sure,” I said. We passed by a shelf with thermal clothing, and I grabbed a good few packs of it. For wearing under the costume. Ostensibly my reason for being here.

There was a jacket, too, that was form-fitting and sleek enough that I was pretty sure I could wear it under my costume.