Marie tried to browse the racks, but Claire, increasingly disdainful, added:

— “Maybe you should try another store. Our clientele here is… different.”

Then, glancing at the grandmother’s old handbag:

— “And I’d advise you: there are cameras everywhere. So no funny ideas…”

Blushing and deeply hurt, Marie left the boutique in tears.

Outside, she tripped and spilled the contents of her bag onto the sidewalk. As she bent down to pick up her things, a kind voice called out:

— “Ma’am, are you okay?”