Annie, a mature and friendless 13-year-old, originally lived in the bustling chaos of New York City, where she was an outcast at school and a target for relentless bullies. Her family life was equally challenging. Her father abandoned her before she...
Annie: "Listen up, you little punk! 'Bratty attitude'? Try looking in the mirror next time you want to throw insults. We didn't do anything close to what you deserve," Annie said aggressively, threatening her with her plastic fork.
Everyone was silent, and Tina looked away from Annie's menacing stare. As they finished eating, the tension slowly dissipated.
Rose: "Okay! Now that we're done eating, let's go to the night market!" Rose said, easing the tension and seemingly forgetting what had just happened.
Clark was busy writing names on pieces of paper and mixing them in his top hat.
Clark: "Just give me a minute..."
After a few seconds, Clark was done writing all the names.
Clark: "We have 1 hour and 30 minutes to find a gift. The budget is 1000 dollars. Whoever gets closest to 1000 gets a special reward. If you spend exactly 1000, you're disqualified."
Clark gave each person the top hat, and they picked a name.
Annie got Michael. Michael got Clark. Clark got Tina. Tina got Darren. Darren got Rose. John got Annie. Rose got John.
Annie thought to herself, "This will be quite challenging." Michael already knew what to get Clark. Clark was debating whether to get revenge or play nice. Tina wasn't happy because she barely knew Darren and was considering getting something nice as an apology. Darren smiled, liking the challenge of getting Rose a gift. John was challenged to get Annie a gift, knowing her only for hours. Rose thought to herself, "This will be a piece of cake."
Clark started the timer, and everyone quickly began searching for gifts.
Meanwhile, Annie was looking around, listing possible items for Michael. She knew he went to the gym and was an athlete, specifically a golfer. She could get something gym or golf-related. Michael also loved meat and protein shakes.
Bell: "Just get the guy some boxes of protein bars," Bell suggested as she wandered around the dream room.
Annie: "Can't. Though I will buy some, it's not the main gift. It needs to be thoughtful. I guess having friends isn't that bad..."
Bell: "Or you're just in love—"
Annie cut her off angrily.
Annie: "Not into playboys, sorry."
Annie came across a sports shop filled with expensive sports equipment signed by famous players. Most items cost between 10k and 78k. Annie noticed a $500 super sports card pack filled with athlete cards, some signed. The golf one was $700. Annie bought it and had $300 left. The seller, knowing Annie was new to Mehville, kindly gave her a five-pack gold card for free.
Annie: "Isn't that old man nice?" Annie thought, happy about the gesture since it was her first time being given something free that wasn't crappy.
Annie decided to buy Michael food and got a large pack of protein shakes in various flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies and cream, banana, and peanut butter, costing $100. With $200 left, Annie strolled through the market, wondering what else to get.
Bell: "Since the guy always goes to the gym and loves playing sports under the sun, he must stink. Get him some cologne."
Annie came across a stand where you could customize cologne. She created an aquatic pearl, sea water, and coral cologne in a seashell bottle with Michael's name on it for $100, which was quite cheap. With $100 left, she was careful with her next purchase.
A little boy was selling cooling towels and healthy snacks for gym-goers. Annie bought a cooling towel and $60 worth of snacks.
Kid: "Your total is $100, but I'll discount it. Here's your change," the kid said, giving Annie 1 cent back.
Annie was stunned. Though the discount was minimal, she hadn't spent over $1000, totaling $999.99. She was excited and had 10 minutes left. Annie walked back to see everyone waiting for her.
John: "Took you long enough," John said impatiently.
Annie noticed the gifts they were carrying. Tina had a medium-sized heart-shaped gift. Rose's gift was a big basket full of many mini gifts. Darren had a large box. John had a big eco-bag probably filled with gifts. Clark had the largest gift, likely over $1000. Michael had five regular gift boxes.
Annie: "Wow, guys. I guess none of you held back, huh?"
Everyone gathered at the table.
Darren: "I'll go first!" Darren declared happily. "I got Rose!"
Darren gave Rose her gift.
Rose: "This sure is big but quite light for its size..." Rose started unwrapping it quickly.
Darren got Rose:
A candy kit maker - $50Candy - $200Candy slime stationery kit - $50Candy keychains - $50Box of expensive chocolate - $50Box of tanghulu - $300Box of chocolate-covered fruits - $100Candy trophy - $50
Darren had $50 left.
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Rose smiled and hugged Darren. "Oh my gosh, thank you so much!"
