Quote:
At long last, your Holiday shopping is complete! Every last person is checked off the list, and you have time to spare. Maybe you deserve something a little extra special, too? Or is there someone you suddenly remembered? Are you just imagining that you’re done? What if you actually haven’t gotten everything finished? This time of year is always so stressful—how are you handling shopping at all?
The mall was horrendously crowded, but that was to be expected with the holiday season. It was only a few days until Christmas and those getting last minute gifts were racing around as though their lives depended on getting whatever trinket or token their loved ones had asked for. Mothers and fathers wrangled crying toddlers, siblings teased and chased one another, and voices strained to cry out over others through the sea of seemingly ever growing people. It all seemed like pure chaos.
But Ignacio had managed to out pace the cacophony. Years of experience with holiday shopping had molded him into a bit of a strategist and he knew exactly what stores would be busiest and where to duck and cover during a sale driven mad rush. To a rookie navigator, sticking close to the walls and walking with a sense of purpose seemed silly, but to Ignacio it meant getting ahead. If enough people paid attention to your body language as you walked, most people would know to stand aside if you kept your chin up, eyes forward, and looked like you were more than prepared to barrel through anything that came your way. Sure, he still walked into the occasional rushed mother or child with no sense of direction, but for the most part his system worked and he was able to get quite a few things off his list just by ducking in and out of shops. Everything about this trip was running smoothly.
"A lipstick set for Martina, check..." He mumbled, taking a quick pause in a corner to check his list again. "Guitar picks and a new strap for Vincent, polish and a phone case for Daniela... Hrm."
He was certain that he'd asked his brother, Lorenzo, for gift ideas last time they'd talked, but there was nothing written next to his name. This wasn't good. He couldn't get his dear little brother nothing for Christmas! Ignacio tapped his chin and hummed, before taking a look across the mall.
There was a jewelry store that had opened up recently that looked promising. He knew Lorenzo had a collection of pocket watches and cuffs. Perhaps that store had something nice to add? Ignacio nodded to himself and, employing his power walk, sauntered across to the store.
It was just like any other mall based jewelry store. Brightly lit, mirrors in every direction, and employees eager to get your attention. He allowed himself a moment to peruse before spying a glistening golden pocket watch in one of the displays. Bingo.
"Excuse me, hello?" He called, waving for one of the employees. "Might I take a look at this pocket watch here? I'm interested in it for my brother."
He waited carefully as the employee opened the case and gently handed him the pocket watch. It was truly a lovely bit of craftsmanship, wasn't it? It had such elegant, decorative carving. He almost felt like he'd tarnish it just by holding it. Lorenzo would surely be pleased with something a beautiful as this.
"Splendid! I'll take it." He said, handing the pocket watch back over. "No gift wrap necessary. I can handle that back home."
After the purchase was made, Ignacio left the store with a complete list of gifts and a smile on his face. It felt good to cross everything off and be done with it. ... But, even though his list was done, he couldn't help but feel as though he'd forgotten something.
He paused, almost forgetting to step aside for other shoppers to pass him by, and slowly smiled to himself. His students, of course! It was tradition for him to give his boys new school supplies once the school year started again. Some of them couldn't afford the most basic things and it was the least he could do for them. After all, knowledge was the most important gift of them all!
Turning on his heels, Ignacio hurried back through the crowds and to the nearest supply store he knew. Perhaps, when he was finished, he'd be able to stop and buy himself a nice box of chocolates. He deserved to treat himself too, especially after all this rushing about!
Word Count: 689
