The vendor looked into the empty eyes of the young man standing in front of him

"Like a double tofu dog with chilli, hot sauce and fried onions please" the man spoke and handed over the money.

"Sure, here you go."

"Thanks man."

"You're welcome" he never wished anyone seasons greetings; it was more merciful that way.

He watched as the figure shuffled back to the mall, his shoulders sagged as the doors opened and he went inside. The vendor had had a good day's trade so farm the only dampener was looking into the eyes of so many people, all men, who had lost all hope. They brought their food and left, all heading in the same direction, none looking back, none looking up at the brilliant blue sky. All hoping that they hadn't left it too late, that against all the odds that there was a chance of redemption. All believing, despite all evidence to the contrary that they would find the ideal Christmas present for their loved one in the dying hours of Christmas Eve.

As the doors closed behind him Shaggy was convinced he was in hell for there could be no place more soul destroying, devoid of humanity, hope or joy than a shopping mall on Christmas Eve. The carols, the festive music over the speakers and the gaudy decorations pulled him between despair and psychosis. He trudged up from the entrance and walked up to the store map. He knew it by heart but checked again just in case it had changed in the few hours since he last stared at it. He sighed and began to walk round the mall, in a different direction this time, hoping that something would catch his eye and began to eat his food as he walked.

What's wrong son? Shaggy stopped and looked around to see who was talking to him but there was nobody there.

"Errrr hello?" he looked around again but no one caught his eye so he resumed walking.

Are you OK? You look like you need some help. There it was again, he paused and thought for a second, the voice was familiar. It then dawned on Shaggy that thus far his ears had not been involved in this conversation. He stopped an looked around again.

Look down. I'm here. Shaggy looked down, his tofu dog seemed to be looking at him, he nearly dropped it when it appeared to wink at him.

Don't panic, I've been sent to help you.

"But, but..." stuttered Shaggy

Let me explain, over the years you've been a good friend to food, always trying to give lost snacks a home. We appreciate that, so as you have helped food, food will help you in your hour of need.

"Like, thanks man" Shaggy replied, he needed help, and right now he was so desperate that he'd take it from a hallucination involving talking food.

So, you're looking for a present I take it?

"Yeah" Shaggy began walking again, hoping not to attract too much attention.

A special present for a special lady I guess?

"It's for Velma, like it's our first Christmas as a real couple. Not just dating but a real proper couple."

So you are really serious with Velma?

"Yeah man really serious, like we're thinking about getting a place together. I'm even planning on proposing to her on Valentine's day, I've saved for the ring and everything but…"

But?

Shaggy's shoulders sagged as far as humanly possible "Man I'm doomed; Velma is the best thing that has ever happened to me, even Scooby says so. Like I mean she's smart, so smart, she's sexy, fun and so much more. She means the world to me but I can't think of what to get her. And we're doing Christmas at her place this year. Oh man it can't get any worse than this."

So no last-minute anything-will-do present then?

"I've been through every shop in every mall for the last few weeks and there's nothing that says 'Velma' to me. I doomed man; the best that can happen is..."

Is?

"She'll dump me."

That's the best! What could be worse?

"Daphne will get really mad at me."

Hmmm see what you mean, tough call. Well that's what I've been sent to prevent so let's get moving.

Shaggy noticed someone leaving the mall, laden down with gifts. It only emphasised to him what a miserable failure he was. He stopped walking for a second and sighed to himself.

" Man, even Scooby has got her a present and his is pretty good."

Right what sort of things is she into, generally speaking, practical or luxury.

"Practical, always practical, you should hear her complain when Daphne drags her off for a girly pamper session"

OK, but does she say that she hated it afterwards?

"Well, like not always. Sometimes she admits that she did enjoy it."

Hmm, go up to the next level of the mall. That's interesting so as long as it's not too girly then she's fine?

"Yeah"

Does she buy stuff for herself, make-up, perfume, bunny-slippers even? Basically does she treat herself?

"Nope not as such, she gets things that she needs, practical stuff, like hard wearing shoes" he paused and thought for a second "But they are nice." Despite his situation, Shaggy had to smile at the thought of Velma wearing bunny-slippers.

Now we're getting somewhere. Turn left here please. So, let's think practical luxury. What would she want, but never get for herself?

"Good point; she does likes nice things, but useful nice things. Right, what things does she really like or use a lot?" stroking his chin whilst he spoke.

Now you're thinking. What would she never go without?

Shaggy paused, he'd know Velma for years, he thought back over all those times and one common factor kept coming back to him "Yeah, there is one thing I've always known her to bring with her pretty much wherever we've been." Shaggy realised that he had almost finished eating the tofu dog, there was just one mouthful left, and that appeared to be smiling at him.

It's been an honour to help you Mr Rogers. Don't forget to put the wrapper in the bin. Turn around, we're arrived.

"Like thanks man" though he wasn't sure why.

Shaggy finished the last morsel and put the wrapper in a bin then turned round and stared at the shop window, his eyes opened and his face brightened. He crashed thorough the shop door just as the owner was getting ready to put up the closed sign.