#Chapter 84: Thrift Flip

Audrey The morning sun was shining brightly through the window as I stepped into my studio, eager to put the finishing touches on my masquerade gown. The excitement that had been building for weeks was reaching its peak—tomorrow night was the big event, and I couldn’t wait to attend the masquerade with Tina and dance the night away in my new ensemble. But as soon as I opened the door, my heart plummeted into the floor beneath my feet. The window was wide open, letting in a cool breeze that made the tattered remains of my gown flutter pathetically on the mannequin. Dozens of small white moths were swarming around it, their tiny wings beating furiously as they continued to feast on my hard work. “No, no, no,” I whispered, dropping my bag and rushing over to the mannequin. Hot tears pricked at the backs of my eyes as I quickly shooed away the moths and gathered the ruined fabric in my hands. Tiny holes were peppered across the delicate material, destroying