The return period on a pair of white Nike Air Jordan is about to expire. I need that $137.15 back to eat this week. Option 1, free return label. Wrap the shoes for shipping. Figure out the printer. Carry box to UPS. Every step heavier than the last.
There is an ingenious alternative. I drove 50 miles to Wisconsin Dells outlet mall instead. $15.56 in gas. On paper, the worse decision.
Highway 12 west. Near tears most of the drive. Fighting to find something — gratitude, maybe — in the sky, the clouds, the green. Couple different times I gave the seatbelt an extra tug so it was really tight. That’s how single lonely people get their hugs.
Mall was a surprise. Ginormous Nike swoosh, outside on the building, so you’d think the entrance was right there. Not. Half a mile down to the other end of the mall. Clean, shiny, beautiful stores. For about 30sec of every 5 minutes I forgot I can’t buy anything. Then remembered. Then forgot again. The clerk was young, friendly, made me a speedy return. Half mile back to the Escape.
Could have driven home. Instead, turned off at Devil’s Lake. Changed into boots, grabbed my walking stick, started to climb the South Shore rock stairs. Every rock a new negotiation. Unbalanced, sweating. Probably had no business there. BUT I HAD TO FIND OUT! One tiny hike. Favorite place still favorite? Then changed into my swim top, waded into the lake, kept going deeper until my arms found their swim strokes.
Free shipping: different cost, apartment alone.
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