Another one about the stress of the holidays.

December 13th: Shopping

"Fudgie, please stay with me!" Luigi instructed his daughter. "It is going to be very crowded and I would hate to lose you."

Fudge wasn't really paying attention. She was too busy staring at Sparkplug Square in wonder. The six-year-old had only been to Velo City a couple of times, but never around the holidays. The namesake giant spark plug statue in the middle of the square had been draped in tinsel. An enormous, beautifully decorated Christmas tree had been set up in the corner of the square, guarded by two giant toy soldiers, with some fake presents laid out in front of it. A ginormous glittery silver star was suspended from wires above them.

"Fudge?" Luigi called again. "Let's go. We have a lot of work to do and not much time. We need gifts for everyone; something for the toy drive and some groceries for Christmas lunch."

The Fiat led his daughter to the mall near Sparkplug Square and consulted his list. In the past, the residents of Radiator Springs had done Secret Santa, what with money being tight and all, and then each got something for Fudge. Now, though, their town was back on the map and their businesses were thriving. So, they were all able to afford gifts for everyone, to their joy.

"Okay, first stop: the tool shop", Luigi announced. "I know they have a high-powered wrench that Babbo really wanted."

The place was a total zoo. Everyone was in a much bigger hurry than they were, or no hurry at all. Vehicles and humans were pushing and shoving, all shouting and grabbing.

"Do you think Timmy would like these action figures?!"

"Oh, my goodness! I completely forgot to get something for my work's Secret Santa!"

"Mommy, can I have this doll?!"

"I want to meet the Santas!"

"Jackson! Get back here!"

Of course, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" playing on the speakers full blast added to the noise. Fudge's eyes widened. The little girl hated too much noise and chaos, partly because she was autistic and had sensory issues and partly because she grew up in Radiator Springs, a very quiet town without much activity.

Just as she was on the verge of a meltdown, an alarm went off inside of a store. The sudden shrill, loud noise made her jump. Was something wrong? Was there a fire or something?

That alarm was all Fudge needed. She dropped to her knees, banged her fists on her thighs and screamed, "No, no, no, no, NO!"

The mall was so crowded and boisterous that hardly anybody noticed (which was a relief since normally when she got like that, some people would complain to Luigi that he wasn't disciplining her). However, Luigi did and he felt sorry for her. He knew that his daughter got like this when she was overwhelmed and stressed, When she was officially diagnosed with autism back in September, it gave him a much better understanding of her behaviour.

"I know, angel", he told her soothingly, scooping her up. "I know. It stresses me out too. It is okay. I promise I will get this done as quickly as I can."

Fortunately, Luigi kept that promise, just like he always did. Unfortunately, however, as quickly as he could wasn't very quick at all, given how crazy the mall was. At one point, they had to wait in line for forty-five minutes. Fudge stayed up on his roof, whimpering and covering her ears whenever she could, as Luigi picked up presents for Guido, Sarge, Ramone, Sally and something for the toy drive. By then, he could see that Fudge was sorely in need of a break and, quite frankly, so was he.

So, they left the mall for a little while and went to Burger King for lunch. As she started eating, Fudge looked a little calmer.

Luigi sighed. "Ah! There is always so much stress around the holidays. Christmas is not all fun and games."

Fudge nodded slowly. Until then, she had only ever seen the fun side of Christmas. She missed that. "When can it be fun, Papà?" she wanted to know.

Luigi smiled. "Soon, angel", he promised. "Soon."

As I've said before, I am autistic like Fudge. I have never had a meltdown like Fudge's, but given she grew up in a quiet small town, I figured that it would make sense for her.

Please review! :)