It was a sunny Saturday. To be perfectly honest, I somehow miss going out on day offs, enjoying the bliss of life without worrying tomorrow. My, I sure miss this. 

Mei seemed really bothered out in the open. A part of me regretted taking her out, exposing her like this  even though I know the risks. But another part tells me that everything will be alright. I mean, what is life without being rebellious once in a while? Without being reckless once in a while? 

What's that word again.... YOLO? 

And besides, if anything happens, I'll reassure her safety. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was sunny, the sun's heat giving me the burning feels. There were people all around me... 

I never really noticed their unique fashion sense as they walked down the streets. So beautiful and classic. 

Something I never payed attention to growing up. 

We entered the mall and I should say, It's friken huge! Every floor of this building had a lot of stalls. 

It was full of people in here. 

I think the last time I visited a mall was..... Hmmm.... Grade 5? Or 6?

"Mei, wanna look here?" 

Sir Jaime asked, breaking my trail of thoughts. 

He pointed a small store filled with clothes. It had a mix of branded ones and just random clothes with little pieces of accessories by the counter. Its mannequins dressed in clothes that matches today's trends. There was also a small corner where bags are stored, big and small. 

"Sure, but.." 

I hesitated to say more, his eyes that looked confused as he stared at me, waiting for an answer. 

"But what?"

"Well... You see... I-.."

"Yo spit it kiddo"

"I don't have cash.

I already spent it on that bottle of liquor yesterday,

So I don't see the point in going here since I can't afford-"

"Well who said you'll be payin?"

"pardon?"

"I said we're going to the mall, I never mentioned you'd have to bring cash right?"

"But -"

"Arghhh shush! Let's just get in there and buy you clothes. You are wayyyy out of fashion." 

I looked at what I was wearing. 

An oversized shirt with some jeans from years ago, and some converse that was slowly giving up. 

I got anxious and tried to cover myself with my tiny hands as I looked around me. 

" Let's go! "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The store was filled with lots of clothes, the aisles that seemed like rainbows, and the atmosphere that was fresh and relaxing. 

Jaime and Mei looked at every section, picking ones that suit her style, and those that caught her eye. 

Clothes that give off different personalities and impressions. 

Jaime never thought shopping with a girl would be nice. He always thought it was a waste of time and it was bothersome. Seems like his impression of shopping changed. 

They walked in every clothing store in the mall.

They bought a good amount of clothes, and one pair of shoes. It sure was tiring to walk around for so long. 

"I bet ya hungry kid. 

Say, have you eaten in a restaurant before?" 

"Yeah, but that was a long time ago, I've only managed to eat food from the convenience store. 

" Oh, all the more reason to go then! "

As he was about to march his way to the restaurant nearby, he stopped when Mei started to speak. 

" Sir, aren't you spending too much?" 

He stopped, and smiled. 

"Money will mean nothing to me if it means I can make up most of the time you've lost making a living on your own. 

You're supposed to enjoy yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know it's hard, but as an adult, I will not let a child live life living in fear." 

He smiled, it was the most he could say. He believes that everyone should have a story to tell to the next generations to come. 

" So shut up and let me make up for it.

I'll fill in the parent role your parents abandoned. 

It was fucked up already to leave a child at such a young age, but it's more fucked up to think I know the story and not do anything about it. 

I cannot guarantee you I'll be good at it, but let's find out together as we enjoy every moment of today and the many tomorrows we will have."

Mei stood there, overwhelmed with the humming of the calm words she just heard. She felt hope and alive again. Her tears fell down as the wind slightly swung her hair, the heat of the sun that no longer bothered her. A giant rock was lifted from her heart after hearing those. A sense of hope in the most unexpected place and in the most unexpected time. 

The warmth of platonic love from an unexpected person. 

Jaime then started to walk at the direction of the restaurant he had in mind, Mei following as he looked up to the person she'll forever be grateful to have met.