Christmas was right around the corner, and I was spiraling.
I stood in the middle of a bustling department store, surrounded by glittering displays of ornaments, festive lights, and shelves crammed with gift boxes.
It was chaotic, the kind of organized chaos where everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing—except me.
I clutched my phone in one hand, scrolling aimlessly through gift ideas, and gripped a plush reindeer in the other. Why? I had no idea. It just felt comforting.
"What do you get someone who literally has everything?" I muttered under my breath.
A passing sales associate gave me a strange look, but I ignored them. Carmen wasn't just someone who had everything; she was Carmen.
A centuries-old vampire with an endless bank account, impeccable taste, and an uncanny ability to read me like an open book.
She had the kind of elegance that made you feel underdressed even if you were wearing couture. How was I supposed to compete with that?
