Dennis followed my gaze to the mall, then back to me. "You look fine, big sis," he said softly, his tone genuine.
I shook my head, smiling faintly. "Thanks, but I don't feel like myself in it."
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let's find you something else."
The mall buzzed with life even late into the evening, its lights casting a warm glow on the tiled floors. I quickly grabbed Dennis by the arm and led him inside, ignoring his protests.
"Slow down, will you?" he exclaimed as I dragged him toward the nearest clothing store.
I didn't answer, already browsing through racks of casual clothes. Once I'd found a comfortable set for myself—a soft knit sweater and a pair of jeans—I turned my attention to Dennis.
Before he could escape, I began piling him up with shirts, jackets and even a pair of dress shoes I thought would look good on him.
Dennis stood there, juggling an increasingly precarious tower of shopping bags, his face a mix of exasperation and disbelief. "Big sis, I can't possibly wear all these clothes. This is ridiculous!"