By Caitlin Curtis

“I’m sorry Sir, I’ll need to pass you along to my manager”, the young lady behind the showcase looked nervous and I supposed she was new.  I stared at her and considered giving her more grief.  I was aware she didn’t have the authority to refund my purchase but I also didn’t care, sometimes bad things happen for no good reason.

“I’ll go get him now.” She left me alone at the front of the shop.  It seemed different than a week earlier, but then it was rainy today and last week was pure sunshine.  I usually pace when I’m waiting but I stayed stationed at the counter.  I didn’t know what the hell was taking so long for the manager to greet me.  Isn’t it his job to deal with me?  A wave of nausea came over me.  I thrust my hand against the counter to steady myself as I was suddenly overwhelmingly dizzy.  I tried to focus as I heard the managers footsteps come from the back of the shop.  I knew the sales lady would have already explained what I wanted but I was prepared to give him hell.

“Good afternoon Mister Wells, it’s nice to have you in again.”

I stared at him and lost my resolution to fight.  What a nice man. What a charming and helpful man.

“What seems to be the matter?  Did we misjudge the size?”

I could have laughed. I could have punched him.

“It’s not the size”, I tried to unclench my jaw, “I need my money back”.

He gave me a panicked look, ‘I’m sorry Mister Wells, as you know you’re order was a final sale.”

Why is everyone so quick to tell me how sorry they are?  They aren’t.  If they were truly sorry they would change things.

“Because of the special we had on Sir”, he was still talking, “because of the special it does become a final sale, there isn’t anything I can do for you”.

I didn’t have a chance.  I never did and I should have seen it sooner. A lump was growing in my throat and I turned to leave.

“Mister Wells?” it was the saleslady, “You can always save it for the next time you propose”.

She smiled as if this was to be comforting.

“Screw off” I choked.

I wish there had been more strength in my voice.

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