So much happening in the blink of an eye, you’re certain to miss most of it. A couple walking left, two friends walking right, a family of four strolling right behind. This may come off as a recipe for chaos, but for St. Matthews Mall, it’s just a regular Saturday.

As I look at the food court tables, I can’t seem to find one open spot. Directly in front of me, a man wearing a light gray hoodie sits across from a woman wearing a cheetah print blouse.

Numerous restaurants catch my eye — and nose. Subway, Chick-fil-A, Red Brick Pizza, Chinese food stations. The rich flavors emanate through the area, combining to create something indescribable. So many options to choose from, with each eatery having a line longer than the next. 

Every corner, every direction — movement and people. A woman in an all-black tracksuit and white Nikes holds hands with a man in a Champion sweatshirt and black sweatpants. People walk past me, continuing conversations or just strolling. The banter between shoppers echoes throughout the mall.

Another store — Lolli and Pops — catches my attention. I guess you could say I caught its attention, as a woman in a striped apron and white button down stands outside the store offering me a free sample. I happily grab the red Gummy Bear and carefully chew the concoction. The rich cherry very much complements the gummy texture.

Moving on, I see All-Star Sports — or should I say hear All-Star Sports? Rap music blares from the store.

Then I see the water fountain, a mall highlight. Two streams run north to south. Multiple horsehead sculptures spew water from their mouths. A woman with long black hair talks to a man with a black adidas sweatshirt. They seem to enjoy the fountain.

At the bottom of the fountain sit coins of different colors — from nickels to dimes to pennies to quarters, piled so close to one another.

Turning from the coins, another smell grabs me — a rich, buttery flavor, along with a mix of caramel delight — fresh popcorn from a stand across from the fountain.

As I approach one of the exits, I take one last look — a  woman with a ponytail, a black tank top and light blue leggings is accompanied by a child wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt. So much to see, so much to do. You’re lucky to observe most of it, as it is nearly impossible to observe all of it.