Molly took a deep breath before entering the mall. She hated these big, crowded places. But Mary had invited her to John's birthday party, and Sherlock was going to be there. Molly really needed a new dress. No way was she going to wear the one she wore to the Christmas party. She looked around the mall. Racks and racks of clothes littered the ground. Escalators showed a hint of even more clothes. She walked to the nearest rack of dresses and started searching. Her eyes quickly scanned each dress, no, no, too low, too tight. She sighed and went to the next rack. About three dresses in, one caught her eye. Molly pulled it out to inspect it better. It was a blue-violet knee-length dress. She headed for the changing room. Once there, she swiftly put it on. She surveyed herself in the mirror. It was tight, but not too tight. The one shoulder style was flattering. She took one last glance in the mirror and nodded. She would buy this one. She took a peek at the price tag and winced. Well, she desperately needed a new dress. She also bought a pair of shoes to match. She left the mall feeling not only exhausted of her strength, but also her money. But she felt contented with her purchases. She went home and hung her dress up. Maybe tomorrow would be the day.
The next day, after work, she walked home and got ready. She slipped into her new dress and shoes and did her makeup. Then she left for the party. She rang the doorbell and Mary answered.
"Oh, Molly, you look beautiful." She pulled her into the house. "Don't you think she looks lovely, John?"
John looked at Molly. "Stunning," he agreed. "Don't you think so, Sherlock?"
Sherlock glanced up from his phone. He surveyed her up and down. "I see you bought yourself a new dress and shoes."
Molly nodded hopefully.
Sherlock looked down at his phone again. "A much needed improvement. Normally, your clothes look like they belonged to my grandmother." He took another look at her. "You look nice."
Molly smiled. Mary and John rolled their eyes.