After successfully parking the car, Benjamin began to lead Sheila towards the place where they were going to buy her phone.
"What do you think?", Benjamin asked as he pointed to the gigantic shopping center they were about to enter.
There were other malls, more creatively designed, but for some reason, many people were heading towards this one with a rather simple design.
"It's... very square," said Sheila calmly.
"You wouldn't believe it, but it has its charm," Benjamin replied with a smile.
"Really…?", Sheila asked, somewhat confused.
What was so special about this place?
There were lots of people going in and out of the place, making them feel like sardines in a can as they made their way through the crowd to enter.
Once inside, the interior of the shopping center was quite spacious, and there was a wide variety of stores.
"Are... there any discounts today…?", Sheila asked while scratching her cheek.
"No, it's almost always like this here," explained Benjamin.
Instinctively, Sheila's eyes turned as she saw someone hurrying towards where they were.
"Benjamin!", a young man much shorter than Sheila shouted excitedly.
"What a surprise to see you working here today, Joel. I see you took the whole 'chasing the customer' thing seriously," Benjamin said sarcastically.
Joel took a step back and tried to excuse himself quickly.
"I'm sorry about that, but it's an emergency."
Joel looked upset, and he hadn't noticed that Sheila was behind Benjamin.
Benjamin let out a long sigh and asked:
"What happened?"
"My PC... it won't turn on!", Joel declared in a heartbreaking tone.
Sheila, who was listening to this, was surprised that someone could be so affected by such things.
Indeed, by the way he said those words, anyone not close to them would think he had lost a family member.
Benjamin, who was silent for a few seconds, responded:
"Ah, that's why you were working so early."
"No! Well... Yes! But I still need you to take a look at it," Joel said to Benjamin while trying not to get too agitated, as from the looks of the people around, he realized he was being too loud.
"Joel, I understand your concern, but I'm here with a friend right now," Benjamin said while stepping aside to make Sheila more visible.
Sheila and Joel's eyes met.
"Excuse me, miss I...!"
"It's okay, don't worry. What happened to your PC?", Sheila asked out of habit, as she was used to knowing the symptoms of people who felt unwell.
"Do you know about computers, Treit?", Benjamin asked curiously, since he had assumed that Sheila was one of those people who just bought equipment without knowing its features.
"No...," Sheila replied softly while looking away.
"So?", Benjamin questioned.
"Aren't you going to help him?", Sheila asked instinctively, unable to stand leaving the boy like that.
"Of course I want to, but I need to help you first. You first, then him," Benjamin explained calmly, and Joel's eyes lit up.
"Really!?", he asked with a smile.
Benjamin was his only hope since he always managed to fix his computer when he messed up.
"Of course, but now I need you to help me find a good phone for Treit. It's time for you to work."
These words triggered Joel's innate sales instinct.
"I see! Good morning, Miss Treit, what are you looking for? Performance? Comfort? Appearance? What brands do you like? Would you like to try something specific?"
Joel's tone and posture changed completely.
He looked like a young entrepreneur with plenty of confidence.
"As long as it's easy to use... I'm fine."
Benjamin's face showed some disappointment upon hearing those words.
Joel, on the other hand, maintained his smile and extended his hand.
"May I guide you?"