My visit to the Marketplace

 It’s late Friday evening and the sun has set; although the day began crisp and filled with sunshine; the unique smell of rain now fills the air.  All around me, people are rushing somewhere; traffic noise abounds – screeching of tires, the blaring of horns, and the occasional shouting from an enraged driver or two, all of this activity promises to bring new customers to the neighborhood Mall; a good thing for the many shops, more competition for them, and more choices for the prudent shopper.

 It is October, and it seems like the seasons are changing quite rapidly; yesterday, we were surviving the heat of hot summer days; those days are now gone and replaced by cool fall weather. We are pulling out our collective sweaters, jackets, and rain gear once again.

 This Mall, commonly called a Strip Mall, is located at a major intersection, typically, constructed on a strip of land, linear in design and with few exceptions, just one story tall, and with most retailers connected by common walls.

 The buildings are slung low, and almost identical in design with little to distinguish one from the other, except for their signage located strategically above their entrance. In addition to the retail stores, there are two major family restaurants, at least four fast food chains, a bank, a mobile phone store, and a police substation; all designed to offer a broad array of resources to the neighborhood.

 There is a comforting feeling that I get when shopping here; perhaps because of the easy access and the basic functionality of the place. It has been a tenuous and difficult week for me, and I would imagine that many of those joining me on this early evening excursion have similar sensibilities with the desire for a somewhat relaxed experience as they are taking the time to enjoy a bit of retail therapy, very much like I am doing.

 There is an impending rainfall and my mood is perfect, as the fresh, clean scent of rain renews my spirit. It is a simple thing, but exciting, because I love the rain. I love the smell of it, and I am particularly excited when the rainfall is heavy with a continuous downpour.

 On this particular day, I am in search of something, but, I am not quite sure what it is that I am looking for.  I entered one of my favorite stores; it is a discount store with a broad variety of items. I can immediately smell the perfumed candles, which always seemed to be positioned near the entrance, perhaps to draw you in. I can also smell the distinct aroma of leather goods which I particularly like because they are always so cool to the touch.

 I suddenly decide that I need a sweater, perhaps because of the expected rain, and the fact that I have a particular bias for cashmere, the most comforting material that I know. I love the heft of it, and the way I feel when I am wearing it —secure and confident.

 I am lucky to find a large choice of sweaters. I select three: One black, another gray, and a third one that is beige. It seems a miracle that I have found these – pure cashmere sweaters at a discount store. I am excited, but subdued, not wanting to show too much emotion, or attract other customers to my “find”.

I quickly make my way to the nearby cash register with my purchases pay for them, and securely in hand, I exit the store and the Mall. The rain is now falling heavily, just as I ordered; so I hurry to my car protecting my purchases.

 I quickly enter my car and drive out of the Mall. Now I am anxious to get home, and with the rain continuing to fall, I am thinking of the enjoyment of a very hot cup of coffee, some fresh croissants, and my favorite Cable show on Turner Classics— maybe Bogart is doing his usual thing, or watching Jason Bourne or Denzel Washington for the tenth time in “Equalizer” or “Man of Fire”. My long difficult week is behind me and the weekend brings great promise.