Falling out of the mall trap

Recently, I went to review a gaming store at a new suburban mall. This was my first visit to the mall. When I entered, I was dazzled by its size. There were just way too many stores and brands (and most of them offering sales!). I tried to keep my focus and look for the gaming store that I was to review. But, I must admit (in spite of having been directed over the phone by the PR) I was completely lost. Like a kid in the candy store, I roamed, with a dropped jaw and almost hypnotised. When my foggy brain cleared a bit, I decided to seek help.

A sweet little cleaning lady immediately realised my plight and made me follow her to the gaming store, thus ensuring that I did not get lost again. While I was doing my work, I hung on to each and every word the storekeeper told me. It took me about half-an-hour to get my work done and then I was free to go home, which is what I was willing myself for. But, somewhere (on a subconscious level), I wanted to explore this new mall. I gave myself an excuse: I was hungry and needed to find the food court. Logic told me that the food court would be at the top level. My heart told me to search for it by climbing up the different levels (and maybe see a few stores in the bargain)!

I made it up from level to level. I entered a shop where the manager asked me if he could place my (huge) backpack at the shelf while I explored the store. But I refused. I was already feeling guilty about exploring a yummy, almost-empty mall during working hours and leaving my bag aside would be, well, pushing it. I politely said, “I guess I’m fine.”

I must add that the last level was under construction and there was no food court. Yes, I could see this as I went higher, but I still decided to keep going (you know how hunger pangs are!). Finally, when I had completely made up my mind to stop indulging myself a good 45 minutes later, and headed towards the exit, a guy dressed in a chef’s robe handed me the menu for a well-known pizza place that was offering items at huge discounts. The temptation was too much…

And then, I swear, a halo appeared over my head and wings grew out of my back when I told the chef: “I love the pizzas at your store and I am a regular at your other branches. But I think I will give it a skip this time and come back next time.”

I had done it. I was out of the mall! Of course, as I walked out proudly, I told myself that I am a person who keeps her word. So my next weekend was booked.