Sunday came forward. The sun rises, and I took a shower early. The bird told me that it would be better to come earlier, because the mall might be crowded. After shower, I made myself a sandwich. It wasn't anything special, and was bland.
I went out with my casual clothing. I didn't stop by The Wilsons, as I felt that would be wasting time. Today, my goal was to buy that new jacket. That's all. I took a bus on the stop near my house. I never used it before as I am not the type to go out and play.
The bus was filled with many people, even this early. I saw jewelry on their fingers, necks, ears and wrists. The light that seeped through the window was reflected on their jewelry, it was too bright for my eyes. So I stopped looking. Those were mainly the adults around my age, some even looked like high schoolers.
The elderly sat on the seats. They have nothing that embellished their features, none of those dolls, none of those golds, but they didn't look concerned. They happily chatted with their peers, something about their grandchildren and all. In contrast, while the people around my age complimented each other, it was often superficial—at least I felt so. They praised the jewelry of each other, then laughed, and finally became silent.
The bus reach the stop near the mall. I got off and walked straight inside the mall. Even though I was early, it seemed that other people had come even earlier than me. I saw sleeping bags just outside. Maybe they slept in front of the building. Didn't matter.
I went straight into the outlet where the jacket was. There was a line of people waiting outside as it was still closed. I was one of them. The neon signs and their bright colors still felt nauseating, but I dismissed it. The moment the door was opened, the others went in a flurry. I too, wasted no time in searching for what I came for.
I was lucky. I managed to grab it before the others could. Then, I sneakily went into the cashier to pay it. Using my rarely-used membership card, I saw the monitor spew out points. Seventy five, it told me. The cashier, sensible my confusion, told me that these points if accumulated would grant me bonuses and discount. It was neat, I thought.
After paying, I didn't step out immediately. I watched the crowd inside, near the door so as to not hold the line off. A woman grabbed a dress, in the same time as another woman; they fought over it. A man found a shirt he liked, but his wife (I assumed) didn't like it. She scolded him, though the words were unclear, I could pick up "It's ugly", "What would the others think?" and "We need to make you look good."
I decided that I was bored of the spectacle. I went into an outlet that sells coffee and pastries. In order to compensate for how I skipped over The Wilsons. It was surprising how much I need to pay for food and beverage that when compared with what I usually have, is ultimately mediocre. It wasn't worth it, but whining doesn't solve problems. So I quickly ate it and buried the disappointment I felt of it.
Outside, I wore the jacket immediately, and got rid of the price tag. There, I saw the bird landing on the lamppost before me. It told me, "You're on track. It'll be nothing but a life of fortune ahead~" Its voice was something that I could only describe as soothing; but it didn't soothe me at all.
The wind breezed through, and I shivered a little. Even this new jacket couldn't protect me from that. Speaking of which, it was of quilted leather, with an emblem of the brand painted in gold on the right chest. Near the lamppost, I saw trash bins full of plastic and paper bags. Then, I overheard a couple having a conversation.
"Do we really need all of this?" The man started.
"Of course I do." That was the curt response the woman have him.
"But I just bought you dress last week. Those are still fine you know?" He whined.
"No! I don't want my friends to laugh at me for not having the newest dress!" She protested, then continued, "Let's just go home." The two then went inside their car.
The bird cawed, then uttered out, "Ah. Love... The man was a fool. He couldn't understand her desire. Buying things is the easiest way to prove your love, don't you agree? He should've just kept shut of his mouth and keep buying for her."
I thought of it. I felt that there is a sense of logic behind its words, maybe. The act itself seemed to be sensible proof of love. I was brought back by someone calling my name from the distance. It was Daniel.
They saw my jacket, and went hysterical. They called me "up-to-date", "trendy", etc. Daniel said that he was jealous of it. But then laughed it off. He told me that they were planning to have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Since I didn't have anything else to do, I agreed. But it wasn't time for lunch yet, so we took a stroll around. There were spots that were made specifically for you to snap pictures at and post it.
"I spent money worth half my rent to buy these new things... Ugh." Sarah cried out.
"At least you'd get to look trendy, ey?" Another female co-worker replied to her.
"Heh. True. You only live once after all." Sarah dismissed her concerns and laughed.
Then, it was time for lunch. We finally went into the restaurant. They served a lot of food, as I read the menu... and all of them at least are worth a twelfth of my rent. It wasn't that much, but I might have to skip lunch for the rest of the month. In the end, I went for the cheapest food and only ordered water.
The others chattered happily, in such a carefree manner. I didn't pay much attention; I was thinking of taking up a part-time job for some cash. Daniel then complained about how cold it was, despite the fact that we're inside a room with heater. A sentiment I shared, but not with the others. Sarah, in particular, protested the ridiculousness of it. It ended in the usual way; laughter.
We parted ways at afternoon. From there,I decided to just walk home to save money. I saw the people. The dolls still strapped into their bags and phones, but they didn't seem to be disinterested. Even when someone with a gold one appeared, they didn't budge. But then, someone with a rainbow doll appeared and all hell break loose. The atmosphere turned tense. Some gushed over it, some stood rooted where they were. And I hastened my pace. Leaving the strange scene.
I passed by The Wilsons. It was even more crowded than yesterday. There was a new banner in front of the shop. It said that those with rainbow dolls could get the most expensive menu for free for a week sttaight. I also saw something new: boxes placed just near the cashier. I glanced at another banner on the shop. "Buy 1 doll get 1 free drink", that was what written on it. I ended up home without stopping by. I had spent a lot of money in one day.
I slumped to my couch. Thinking of how fast people moved on. Just a day ago people were going rabid over the golden doll, today it was worth the same as the other dolls. I strengthened myself and went into the kitchen, the bird wasn't there. Maybe he hadn't returned. But when I went to my room, a caw greeted me.
It was there. On top of my wardrobe. I glanced around to see if it made a mess; it didn't. In fact, I was sure the litter box at the kitchen was clean... Maybe it was because birds usually don't use it.
"You had fun. Rest now. Then go and do more of it." It said, with a raspy voice.
I did as I was told. I spent the entire noon by watching news, they told nothing but the craze that had been going on nowadays, or the newest phone released, or the newest designer clothes that was getting released. It revolved around one word: new. I decided that I got bored and made myself a simple dinner.
The bird was now in the kitchen, it its usual spot, and it sounds as if reprimanding me, "... Dinner? Such a bleak, bland food for dinner? My little friend, buy something else. This won't do you justice."
I mulled over it, and saw there were grains of truths in its word. The others may have sirloins for their dinner. I was stuck with breads, eggs, and vegetables. Maybe I should. I just need to take more part-time jobs to cover for it. I searched on a website for it. The one nearest my location was The Wilsons. Apparently, the influx of customers during weekends had been too overwhelming for them. It is perfect, since I had no schedule on weekends.
I went to sleep afterwards. The bed was uncomfortable, and the bird caws were getting annoying, even when muffled.