"You should get it for yourself, kid."
Gabi chuckled, but when she spoke, her voice was disappointed, even a little sad.
"I don't have that kind of money, Levi," she said, running her fingers down the soft cotton fabric of the dress hanging on the rack in front of her. She could only imagine how light and airy it would feel if she put it on. The light pink plaid and the cream-colored sleeves would look beautiful with her brown hair.
But it was expensive, not to mention a luxury. Gabi had plenty of pretty dresses. She didn't need another one, strictly speaking.
But this one was so pretty…
"Don't worry about it."
Gabi looked over her shoulder at Levi, who was sitting in his wheelchair a few feet away. His expression had that subtle softness reserved for her and Falco, and it made her perk up with rising excitement.
"You mean…?" she asked, smiling.
"Don't make me spell it out for you," Levi said, not unkindly.
Gabi threw her arms around him.
"Thank you, Levi!"
"Tch. Stop clinging to me." But he made no move to push her away. "Go try it on and make sure it fits first."
When the pair left the store, Gabi, now wearing her new dress, was practically skipping with delight. She spun around a few times and giggled as the skirt billowed around her legs.
It was a wonderful and precious thing to feel beautiful.
"Thank you, Levi."
"You don't have to say it twice, kid."
But when Gabi glanced down at him, Levi had a faint smile on his face.