Extra Extra Read All About Choice
Story: Torn
by David C. Russell, Author
Hello Grafted In Reader,
Okay, I attribute the creation of this to:
- Weekly exercise from a writing group to which I belong
- Too many 'Black Friday ads" heard and it's not even Friday. Enjoy!
Exercise: Torn
I was one of many Saturday shoppers
at the local box hardware store. Overhead speakers piped in music, and
occasional announcements aired about saving money on a brand of paint, outdoor
lights, weather stripping, etc.
After adding some canned soups and
hot cereal choices to my cart, I wheeled over to the clothing aisle. My son had
given me my present jacket from this store a few years back; my desire was to
replace it with the same exact style.
The Carhartt jacket was reduced by
one-third its price, and the jacket I loved was less expensive by contrast. Each
would be comparably capable of keeping one toasty through consecutive days of
gelid weather cycles.
Both were available in darker
colors. This meant the laundering times could be occasional instead of
frequent. My eyes went back and forth between both jackets.
The Carhartt seemed to convey,
“Pick
me. You know I have a damn good reputation for being durable, well-made, and
well-insulated.”
The jacket model to which I favored was imagined to counter,
“Look, you know I’m the one for you. You have a history with
my type. When have we snagged? Torn? had zippers stick?
When have we failed to keep you
warm as expected?
Unlike your spouse do we complain when your behavior takes us for granted?”
A clerk strolled by with a third
set of jackets and asked,
“Do you need assistance finding something?”
“I’m trying to decide between two
choices and am torn.”
“The sale on the Carhartt line ends
today at six p.m. Once the other jackets sell, we’ll not be restocking this
line.”
Since I didn’t know what other
hardware carried my present jacket, buying its predecessor could become an
eventual fond memory. Of course, no business comes with a guarantee until death
do us part, so I flipped a coin to make my decision. I imagined one scolded
while the winner exuded warmth and a sort of gleeful sheen as we strolled to check-out.
End
Note: May the presence of the Holy One be with us today and tomorrow.
Hello from you is always welcomed!
David C. Russell, Author
