"Oh yeah!" Sophia chirruped happily. "It's really cool. They have all sorts of neat candy from all over the world that they sell. American candies like Hersheys, Asian candies, stuff from Europe. They make a ton of stuff themselves though. Chocolates, lollipops and taffy, cotton candy of all flavors." Sophia's mouth was watering just thinking about it. She was always careful not to buy too much at once though because she worried about getting cavities or gaining weight. She drank enough coffee from the shop as it was and reminded herself that she needed to cut back on that and go on walks more often. Maybe she could get Tim to go with her.

The local park--not the state one but the one inside the city--would soon be awash with Christmas lights and decorations. If the snow kept falling it would be perfect for making snowmen and having snowball fights. The ice skating rink was also opening up, though you could also skate on the pond at the park when the ice was thick enough. Just thinking of all the winter activities they could do together made Sophia feel warm inside. For a time she could forget all about the ominous text from David.

Tim's hand still in hers, she smiled at him and said, "Come on, Tim. Let's go in." They headed inside together and it was as if they had stepped into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.