A Toy Store Story

Monday, December 21, 2009
10:44 am My favorite week of the year…

It’s Christmastime at a local toy store. Young employees in black aprons (all female) rush around the crowded store, juggling piles of boxes, picking up toys, and helping customers. Little children chase each other through the aisles, knocking over toys and dodging their hassled-looking mothers. The store is noisy with the sounds of shrieking children, gossiping mothers, and the constant ‘SHHHHHHCCK’ of wrapping paper being torn from the metal reams.

The phone rings. Tara is on her hands and knees in the middle of the toy store, attempting the wrap a giant pink doll house. The phone rings again. Tara blows her hair out of her face and looks around to see if anyone is going to answer it. It rings again. Swearing under her breath, Tara jogs across the floor to grab the phone.

“[Insert store name here],” Tara says, with a sigh.

“Do you sell Webkinz?” a little girl asks timidly through the phone.

Tara softens a little. She is less annoyed now that she’s talking to a little kid.

“Yes we do!” she says, smiling into the phone.

“Okay,” says the little voice.

“Did you want a special kind? I can tell you which ones we have,” Tara offers.

The customer for whom Tara was wrapping the giant pink doll house approaches the counter, looking at her impatiently. Tara gives the woman a big smile and turns away, rolling her eyes. She’d rather talk to this little girl.

“No, that’s okay,” says the little voice.

“Oh, okay,” says Tara, a little disappointed. “Well, have a good d- ”

“Are you wearing earrings?” the little voice asks suddenly.

"I'm sorry?"

"Are you wearing earrings?" the little voice repeats.

“Uh- Yes…” replies Tara, reaching up to feel the large, silver plate dangling from her left ear.

“I saw you when I was there with my mom this morning. I really like your earrings.”

“Oh!” exclaims Tara, quite touched. “Well, thank you! I- ”

“Okay, bye,” says the little voice.

“Oh. Bye!” says Tara.

Tara hits the “Off” button on the phone with a beep, and stands, looking at the phone for a moment. Then, ignoring the doll house lady who is now glaring at her, returns to the half-finished doll house, smiling to herself as she wraps.

Love,
Tara