The old couple took one small step forward, moving carefully as if the shiny floor might punish them for touching it.
The old woman opened her mouth politely.
“Good morning,” Anita didn’t even answer the greeting.
Instead, she stepped forward like she owned the air.
“Excuse me,” she said, her voice sweet but cutting.
“This is a luxury boutique.
We don’t serve everybody.
” The old man swallowed, trying to keep his dignity.
We just want to look.
Anita raised her hand as if to stop him from breathing too close.
Look, she repeated.
Do you even know what look means here? Everything here is expensive.
This place is not a market.
Some of the other staff members laughed under their breath.
One of them pretended to arrange shoes, but his eyes were watching like this was free entertainment.
Anita continued enjoying herself.
We only serve clients with assets above a certain level, she said, waving her fingers in the air like she was listing rules from heaven.
People that can actually afford what they touch.
The old woman’s eyes lowered to the floor.
Her hands tightened around her small, worn bag as if she was suddenly ashamed of carrying it.
The old man’s jaw clenched, but he still tried to speak gently.
“Madam, we are not here to cause trouble.
” “Trouble?” Anita laughed again.
“You’ve already caused trouble by entering.
” Then Annie joined in, her voice sharper.
“Do you people even have money?” Annie said.
“Or you just came because you heard cold air is free in here.
” “That one hit hard.
” The old woman flinched like she had been slapped.
The old man looked around the boutique, his eyes meeting the eyes of strangers who were watching him like he was dirty.
He opened his mouth to speak again, but Anita cut him off.
Please,” she said, pointing toward the door.
“Go outside.
Don’t waste our time.
This place is not for rural people.
” She said it with such confidence like it was a simple fact.
Like poverty was a crime and luxury was a courtroom.
The old couple turned slightly as if they might actually leave because sometimes walking away is the only way to keep your pride from breaking in public.
But before they could move, Daisy stepped forward.
Her voice wasn’t loud.
It didn’t need to be.
Good morning, Daisy said gently, smiling at the couple.
Anita turned sharply.
Daisy.
Daisy didn’t look at Anita.
Her attention stayed on the two elderly people standing near the door, looking small in a place built for people who never had to beg.
“Please come in,” Daisy said again as if she hadn’t heard any of the insults.
“You’re welcome,” the old woman blinked at her.
“But we,” Daisy smiled softly.
The floor is meant to be stepped on, she said, calm and steady.
It’s not a sin to walk inside a store.
