The mall is usually pretty crowded, but the crowds might help. Leah and Tina would be able to blend in without being spotted.
“The mall,” Leah says. Tina beams.
“Perfect! Maybe some of your friends will be there and you can show off your new clothes!”
“Maybe,” Leah says, praying that won’t be the case.
They get in the car and head for the mall. Leah was right. The mall is packed. When they enter, a well-meaning employee directs Tina towards the strollers available for toddlers and babies. Tina, who doesn’t want to hurt the employee’s feelings, takes Leah over to the strollers.
“You know, this would be pretty convenient,” she says. “With your little legs, mall crawling is difficult.” After a moment, Leah nods. If she’s in a stroller, that would help her disguise.
“Sure.”
“Wow, this makeover has done wonders for your attitude, honey!” Tina remarks. She buckles Leah into a stroller. “So, what should we do first?”
All the things Leah usually does at the mall, her friends do too. Her friends are more likely to see her if they do what she wants. But they aren’t likely to see her if they do whatever Tina wants.
“You can choose,” Leah says.
“Ooh, okay! Well, let’s just start moving, and if I see something that looks fun, we can do it.” Tina pushes the stroller through the mall for a few minutes. Eventually, they come to a stop outside…