Don'T Let Her Get Away

Isshecar Windham

P. Foster

English 132.5

15 October 2014        

Don’t Let Her Get Away

        Two things my mother taught me during my childhood were to never talk to strangers and to never wander around in stores. Of course, like any five-year-old, I rarely listened to my mother because I didn't believe that she knew what it was like to be a kid; therefore, her teaching just went into one ear and out of the other. It wasn't until a trip to Dillard's in, Chicago, IL, made this five-year-old girl wish she would have listened to the wisdom of her mother.

The Christmas season was thriving as people hurried to do their last minute shopping. My mother needed to finish up her shopping as well but, she couldn't find anyone to look after me. My father was busy working a second shift and wouldn't be off in time. Sadly, it was even short notice for her to find a babysitter. With all of her options considered, she had no choice but to bring me along. As we approached the store, my mother stopped me and looked me dead in my eyes and said, "You better not leave my side while we're in this store. I would hate to have to show my true colors while we're out." Her voice was so loud and distinct; I believed that the people across the street could hear what she said. However, my mustard seed brain didn't take heed to her demand. We weren't in the store more than a second and I was as eager as a race horse to rip through the establishment.

As time went by, my mother was constantly fussing at me to stop playing around and stay where she could see me, but of course I proceeded to do my own thing. At times, I would be still just to make her happy, but as soon as she would turn her back I was running wild again. I believe that by the hundredth time I had gone off to a new section, she gave up and finally decided that she would let me explore for a while in hopes that I would eventually get tired and come back. Not realizing that she's dealing with a five-year-old; "tired" was not in my vocabulary.

Unsuccessfully finding the toy section, I somehow found myself in the men’s clothing section. Suddenly my eyes fell upon the cutest stuffed animals atop a coat display. I quickly charged over to the display with determination of getting a stuffed animal. As I came upon the display, I noticed that there was a glass watch case right next to it. Disregarding the glass case, I eagerly began climbing the coat display. As I reached for the stuffed animal, I started to notice that I was leaning over the watch case. Within seconds, the sound of glass shattered on the hard cold floor and I came tumbling down like Humpty Dumpty. Moments later my mother, the store manager, and a few intrusive customers frantically rushed to see what happened. The only questions that were on everyone's lips were, "Is she okay? Is she hurt? Where are her parents?” Quickly checking myself for any cuts, I slowly stood to my feet; all the while holding a stuffed animal. Luckily, my many layers of clothing shielded me from my daredevil stunt.