Retail Therapy
by Avis Hickman-Gibb © 2008
“Oh Hello! Fancy you ringing –I was just going to call you…well, yes I have,,, and as a matter of fact, you’ve just caught me. I’ve only just this minute arrived back home… and I’m exhausted. What? Well, I’ve been into town....to the sales....trailed around most of the day, but picked up some lovely bargains.
What’s that?...Yes, it started to drizzle here too - on the way back - and it was a mad dash from the car to stay dry...Just managed to kick open the door and dump all my bags onto the floor before the heavens opened and it started pouring down, good and proper. I can see the rain bouncing off the path now – still the gardens need it don’t they? Ours was looking decidedly dried up. You know all those plants I got at the garden centre last month? Well, they were wilting something chronic...and I was saying to Brian only last weekend - if they don’t perk up soon, I’ll have to buy new. I hope it doesn’t last too long. I want to pop out to the supermarket to pick something quick for supper, I’m too tired to cook tonight.
What? Ok, right then… I got some lovely strappy sandals, and 2…no 3, of those sun tops we saw last week. Well, yes…but they were on offer....I just couldn’t resist... and I got a gorgeous soft leather jacket. Yes, I know I’ve got that one – but this one is dark brown. Oh and I called in at that little shop – you know...on the corner of the market square, and picked up a couple or four of those little silky tops…yes those! I know...but they are for the holidays. Lovely!
I max-ed out the plastic today, I can tell you...Oh yes!
Hmmm? Oh well…maybe I did go a bit overboard, and I'll have to cram all this stuff into the back of my wardrobe – you know what Brian’s like! He gets ever so twitchy if he sees too many new things… I know! I know…that’s just it… he says he likes me to look nice, and then he starts complaining when I buy any little thing! Men – eh? Can’t live with them, and can’t kill them!!
But – what the hell, I thought… I deserve a treat...!
Oh, it’s ok, I’ll stash all the stuff away in the closet after I’ve had a nice cup of tea – I’ve plenty of time before he gets home...So, here I am - easing my poor aching feet!…Well, I’m wearing those shoes I got last week – you know, the blue ones...And they’re not the best for trailing around the shops in, I’ve found…I think I’m getting a blister on my big toe...So, maybe I’ll take then to the charity shop - you like to feel you’re doing you’re bit, don’t you?
What?…Ok, Ok...all right, you have them, then! They’ll probably fit you better anyway...You’re a size smaller than me...you’re very welcome to them.. If you remember, they were a tad tight for me when I got them.
Boy, I’m bushed! And on the telly its wall-to-wall reports about that bit of bother they’re having half way around the world. Another disaster! There always seems to be something, doesn’t there? I feel desperately sorry for them - poor souls! Just imagine having to replace everything...
But what a neat challenge, eh? I wish I could do that to this place – honestly it’s looking so shabby. And I’m sick of these colours now, too. We haven’t given this place a lick of paint since last year, when we had the extension done....Oh yes, so you say! I say we need the space to get away from one another! Maybe we do rattle around – and Brian says it’s an investment, really - we’ll get the money back when we sell up...
Well, I’m just now waiting for that emergency number to flash up again. You know the one you ring to give money to the disaster…hang on…here it is…just...7..0..3..0..4..0 - Right! I must go - I have stuff to stash away,! And I want to ring this number to make a donation - so I can do my bit to help... last time we gave £50 to the Tsunami…
Well, you like to think you can make a difference, don’t you?”