As the taxi pulled up to the mall, Uni felt her heart race as she took in the grand exterior of the structure. Trixie paid the cab fare and the girls stepped out, surrounded by locals speaking different languages. As they went to the entrance, they were met with their first shock: two security guards armed with AK-47s. The sight of heavily armed guards caught them off guard, but they quickly recovered. The guards checked their bags before allowing them to pass, a stark reminder that they were in a different country with different security regulations.

  They entered the mall, immediately being swallowed up by the crowds of people. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of chattering shoppers and the buzzing of fluorescent lights. Uni felt her heart skip a beat as her eyes roamed the stores in the distance, the promise of sale signs beckoning her.

  They had barely set foot in the mall, but Uni was already twitching with excitement. Her eyes darted everywhere, taking in the sights of the stores and the people. She felt like a kid in a candy store, only the candy was clothes and makeup.

  Piper watched her, amused and slightly concerned. "Uni, try not to explode from excitement. We've literally just walked in.”

  Uni gave Piper a sheepish grin, her eyes still darting around. "I know, I know. But look at this, Piper! It's like a shopping paradise. I don't know where to start.”

  Piper laughed, understanding her friend's enthusiasm. "Take a deep breath, Uni. We have all day. We're not in a rush, remember? Let's just take our time and enjoy the experience.”

  They started going deeper into the mall with Uni leading the way, her eyes fixed on the various stores. Suddenly, a group of teenage girls caught sight of them and started whispering amongst themselves while staring at them. Uni noticed their attention and exchanged a knowing look with the others.

  "Uh-oh, looks like we have a little foreigner-phobia here," she muttered, stealthily elbowing Trixie to grab her attention.

  Trixie chuckled, glancing over at the whispering teenagers. "Yeah, it seems we're turning a few heads. Can't say I blame them, we probably look like a bunch of tourists lost in a sea of locals.”

  They continued through the mall, the stares and whispers following them. Uni paid them no mind, her focus solely on the stores. But the others couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious.

  As they passed a group of kids, one of them tugged at their mother's sleeve and asked loudly, "Mama, why are those ladies white?”

  The mother shushed the child quickly, casting an apologetic look in their direction.

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  Uni smirked, rolling her eyes at the innocent comment. "Oh, the joys of cultural differences. Kids just call it as they see it.”

  Piper chuckled, amused by the exchange. "Yep, gotta love their blunt honesty."

  Trixie nudged her playfully. "Don't worry, they'll soon realize we're more than just our skin color.”

  Uni laughed, already eyeing a dress in a window display. "Yeah, once I start dropping my mad shopping skills, they'll forget all about my skin tone and focus on my amazing sense of style."

  Piper smirked, already used to Uni's confidence in her shopping prowess. "Oh, definitely, and the speed at which you empty your bank account.”

  Uni playfully rolled her eyes. "Please, my bank account is just a tool to fuel my shopping needs. It willingly surrenders the funds when it knows it's for a good cause – aka, my wardrobe.”

  They laughed, continuing their stroll through the mall. As they passed a group of older women, they stopped and looked at them curiously. Uni, ever ready to engage, gave them a friendly smile and a wave. The women smiled back at her in return, their eyes showing a blend of curiosity and fascination.

  But one of the women, clearly bolder than the rest, spoke up, her gaze fixed on Uni. "Where are you from?" she asked, her tone friendly yet laced with curiosity.

  Uni, in the midst of her shopping trance, was snapped back to reality. She paused for a moment, considering how to answer the question.

  "Oh, we're from Elbrastion," she finally replied, a sweet smile on her face. "Just here for a little vacation.”

  The woman nodded, her gaze flickering over to the others. "Ah, Elbrastrians," she said, her tone holding a hint of intrigue. "I can tell from your accents."

  Uni grinned, amused by the attention. "Guilty as charged. But don't worry, we don't bite.”

  The woman chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, I'm not worried about that. You're very… noticeable, that's all."

  As the conversation continued, the other women in the group began to chime in, curious about the foreigners in their midst. Uni, ever the charmer, engaged with them, answering their questions and sharing light-hearted anecdotes about their trip so far. The women were enchanted by her warm and friendly demeanor, and the initial curiosity they had turned into genuine interest. Piper and Trixie stood nearby, watching Uni effortlessly charm the group of women. They couldn't help but laugh at her ability to captivate anyone with her friendliness and enthusiasm.

  As the conversation between the women continued, one of them spoke up, "You know, you have such lovely skin. So smooth and…unique."

  Uni smiled, not missing a beat. "Yeah, it takes a lot of effort to maintain this flawless complexion.”

  The women nodded, clearly charmed by Uni's confidence. "You must use some special skincare products where you're from."

  Uni chuckled, always ready to brag about her skincare routine. "Oh, you have no idea. I've got a whole arsenal of creams, serums, and masks. Trust me, I invest a lot in my canvas.”

  The ladies laughed, clearly fascinated by Uni's dedication to her appearance. "You're really taking care of yourself. It shows."

  Uni nodded, her confidence radiating. "Of course. As a black woman, I need to make sure I look my best. It's an art form, you know?"

  Trixie butted in, raising a hand. "Say, ladies, about this mall...Any places to grab a bite or two to eat?”

  The women laughed good-naturedly. One of them spoke up, "Oh, yes. The food court is on the top floor."

  Uni's eyes lit up, the words "food court" triggering her appetite. "Ooh, a food court? This day is getting better by the minute.”

  The women nodded, clearly amused by Uni's excitement. "Yes, it's quite lively up there with a variety of cuisines; local, national, and international."

  Uni then looked at Trixie and Piper with a grin, already devising her plan to sample the food court's offerings. "Ladies, I hope you're ready to watch a master's appetite in action.”

  They all laughed, fully aware of Uni's hunger for good food. It was a known fact that Uni enjoyed eating, and her appetite was legendary within their friend group.

  Trixie chuckled, patting Uni's shoulder. "We're more concerned about your wallet surviving the food court. Your appetite is no joke.”

  Uni feigned offense, clutching her chest dramatically. "Hey, I'll have you know my wallet is prepared for this battle. It's a willing participant in my quest for culinary satisfaction.”

  Uni's eyes gleamed as they made their way to the food court, already planning her menu.