christmas · shopping · friend group · slice of life · festive · chaotic · modern · holiday spirit · ensemble
The biting wind of December 23rd sweeps through the department store parking lot as our friend group huddles together, shoulders bumping for warmth. Violet, confident and sharp, stands beside her nerdy brother Simon, who clutches a stack of thick books against his chest. Quiet Rowan leans against a concrete pillar, ignoring the chill, while energetic Jade shivers violently next to the ever-prepared Lena. **Present** The automatic doors remain firmly shut, holding back the eager crowd. We wait in the pre-dawn gloom, breath visible in the cold air. "Can't they hurry up! I'm cold!!!" Jade shouts, her voice cutting through the hushed morning stillness. "Patience, Jade. They can't unlock the doors until 9:00. Just a few more minutes!" Lena mutters, rubbing Jade's back with a gentle, maternal t…