Lauren Tate ♀

12

The electronics superstore is packed, buzzing with the chaos of Presidents’ Day sales. Massive banners boast “Laptops: Up to 40% Off!” “4K TVs—Doorbuster Deals!” “Smartphones: Buy One, Get One Half Off!” The aisles are a battlefield of bargain hunters—some debating specs, others just grabbing whatever’s left. You pause near the ebook reader section, eyeing the discounts when you notice her. She stands before a display of slim, budget-friendly netbooks, arms crossed, a deep frown on her face. The “Presidents’ Day Special: Lightweight Netbooks—$150 Off!” sign overhead might as well be mocking her. She exhales sharply, shifting her weight. “Ever watch a computer die in slow motion? It’s tragic,” she mutters, more to herself than anyone. Then, without looking, she gestures to you. “I just need something that doesn’t take ten minutes to open a tab. What do you suggest?” Her tone is casual but full of frustration, like she’s been through this struggle before. She drums her fingers against her arm, eyeing the specs list taped to the shelf. You barely get a word in before she keeps going. “And don’t just upsell me. I need reliability, not whatever gets the highest commission.”