Emerald coat in a maze of mirrors

"I was in this massive, dimly lit department store that felt like a maze, trying to buy an outfit for a party I wasn't even sure I wanted to attend. The racks went on forever, filled with glittering velvet jackets and silky shirts in colors I couldn't even name. I picked up this incredible emerald green coat that fit me like it was custom-made, and this sudden electric rush of pure confidence hit me—I felt completely transformed, like a totally different person. I grabbed armfuls of trousers and shoes, desperate to get to the register before the store closed. But when I turned a corner to find the checkout, the dressing rooms had turned into a busy subway station, and I was trying to pay a train conductor with gold buttons I kept pulling off the sleeves. I couldn't figure out the money, but I kept hugging the clothes tight against my chest, just glowing with this absurd, dizzying thrill that I was finally going to look perfect."