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Feel Good Stories
Excerpt
My Most Expensive Purchase
by Bernice Becker
Many of you may remember the 70’s, when dressy high boots were in fashion.
I thought them stunning and yearned for a pair. I specifically wanted a
pair of gray boots that would go well with my winter clothes.
One beautiful autumn day I decided to visit the Buchland Mall. I’d never
been there before, but I had heard it was lovely, if pricey. I was
impressed, as I strolled along looking in the store windows.
Approaching a shoe store that had a window display of boots that were
appealing, I slowed down. The store was known for the quality of its
leather and suede goods. As I entered, a smiling middle-aged man greeted
me. The place had an air of class and style. The salesman “escorted” me to
a chair and measured my feet.
After I explained that I wanted a pair of high boots in a pleasing shade
of gray, he left to look for some I might be interested in. He returned
with three boxes. The first pair was too drab, the second not high enough,
and the third was, as some people might say, “to die for”. They were a
luminous silvery shade, lined with a golden hind skin that was hard to
resist. I felt myself tingling when he was putting them on my feet. They
fit very well and I knew I had to have them.
“How much are they?” I asked.
“You are so fortunate, Madam. They were $250 yesterday but today are only
$210, a special price for you.
I replied, “Not special enough for me. I can’t afford them.”
He replied, “Madam, you cannot afford not to buy them. You look like a
woman who admires elegances.”
“I do?”
“Yes; you will make sacrifices to get top quality.”
“I will? They are stunning but the heel is a bit high.”
“Not to worry. That will help you to stand straight and tall and be less
apt to fall.”
Was he inferring I was top heavy? I had toppled on occasion.
“Madam, these boots are made for walking, and they were made for you.”
I weakened. “Do you take MasterCard?” Had I said those words?
He replied “Indeed.”
“Okay, I’ll charge them.” I asked myself, Have you lost your mind?
realizing I’d succumbed to flattery.
He had a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he put the boots in a beautiful
bag with handles.
As I walked away from the store hugging my precious possessions, I found I
was standing taller and straighter. I thought, I work hard and I deserve
to indulge myself occasionally. My self-esteem seemed to grow stronger.
Some of what the salesman had said must have rubbed off on me.
On the way home, I remembered I needed a new winter coat. Now, Bernice,
stop worrying about money. Think of all your purchases as therapeutic, I
silently told myself.
Now, that’s good advice. Holyoke Mall, here I come.
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