Monday, November 25, 2024

Story: Torn (David C. Russell, 320 words)

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


No comments: