Why Do I Torture Myself? (Tagged)

[Nonie Savage]

Really, why was Nonie here? She knew she couldn't afford anything in the Mall that was worthwhile. Maybe a bit of food, but that money should be saved towards better things other than helping Nonie's own stomach. Well, that and Meribel's. After that strange instant with the boy at the soup kitchen, Meribel had insisted upon Nonie having someone else with her for a while. Nonie didn't protest, even when Meribel dragged her to the mall wearing their best clothes to get in. Surprisingly they did, although Nonie had no idea why Meribel had chosen the store. They had no money to buy anything in it.

Meribel claimed it would be fun. Maybe it was therapeutic to the other girl? If that was the case then Nonie would weather the torture while Meribel looked inside. Half of the time Nonie couldn't even bring herself to go inside the store, like now. Instead she just stood outside, staring through the windows at the displays and waiting for her friend to finish looking around. It was another clothing store, so it was worse. The outfit Nonie had on now was her best, but still had much to be desired. It wasn't clean like the outfits Nonie saw on display before her. Something she didn't have nearly enough extra money to afford. She sighed and shook her head, turning away and leaning against the wall.

What was taking Meribel so long?