Speak Magazine Winter 2015

SPEAK MAGAZINE

&

Fashion inspired by some of SPEAK’s favorite holiday drinks

GREAT INTENTIONS, HORRIBLE WILLPOWER New Year’s Day has come and passed.

Have your resolutions left with it?

SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s Day, it’s not just for couples anymore.

DRESSING LIKE A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

NO. 2 | WINTER 2015

CONTENTS 10

23

16

28

4 24 MUSIC+CULTURE

FASHION

FEATURES

4 | The Hunts This Indie-Folk band loves to keep it in the family.

10 | Bubbles & Boilers Winter fashions inspired by some of SPEAK’s favorite holiday drinks.

24 | Single On Valentine’s Day For couples across the country Valentine’s Day can be a splendid event. But what of those that are single on a holiday made for two?

8 | Speak’s Favorite Things Whether you need a gift idea or want to treat yourself, SPEAK presents a few of our favorite things.

16 | Dressing Like A Southern Gentleman Some of the freshest male fashions this side of the Mason Dixon line.

23 | The Giving Keys Re-purposed jewelry made with the purpose to be shared.

2 | SPEAK magazine

28 | Great Intentions, Horrible Willpower Many of us make New Year’s resolutions. But how many of us keep them?

30 | Black Friday A satirical short story about the war zone that is America’s biggest shopping trip of the year.

From the Editor

W

inter quarter is every Tech student’s worst nightmare. OK, well I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself.

The winter quarter, full of lots of breaks and unpredictable southern winter weather, piles on the stress. However, I love the spirit of the rainbow of holidays that takes place. It’s the perfect stress relief right when my school and work loads get too heavy. This particular winter quarter, though, possesses an extra specialness. It is my last winter at Louisiana Tech and my last winter in Ruston.

Next year at this time I will be in New York City pursuing my career dreams. It certainly casts a variety of emotions. I’m not sure whether to feel happy or sad or scared. I’m definitely excited and ready to begin that new chapter of my life. As I imagine what my future holds, I cherish each and every moment in the present. The holidays already hold quite a bit of sentiment for me, so this year was no different except for it was magnified. Every family dinner, every gift, every conversation along with every class, every project and every meeting, I’ve paid even more attention to, especially this publication.

I helped nurse it in its development stages and carry it out through production.

All the photo shoots and copy editing and page designing has been a blast and a learning experience. I’ve had the opportunity to further develop my skills to provide you with Tech’s source of pop culture and entertainment. Even though my life in Ruston, and career at Tech, is time-stamped, I’m still yours until May. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as the staff and I enjoyed producing it. Sorry for the delay but I promise it was worth the wait. Stay fabulous, Bulldogs!

SPEAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelsy Kershaw

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Katie Brumfield

WRITERS

Cody Sexton Ellie Moslander Elliott Terral Brennen Lege Winnifred Sanders

PHOTO EDITOR

Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Blakely Johnathan Courter Colin Fontenot

ADVISERS

Michael LeBlanc Dr. Reginald Owens Dr. Judith Roberts T. Scott Boatright Emma Case Melville

PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc

DEPARTMENT HEAD

Dr. Reginald Owens

@LATechSpeak speakmagazinemedia speakmagazinemedia

Kelsy Kershaw Editor-in-Chief

©SPEAK Magazine is a published quarterly by students in the Louisiana Tech University department of journalism. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily express the views of Louisiana Tech University. SPEAK Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address, and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number or address. Direct all inquires to speakmag@gmail.com.

Louisiana Tech University is committed to the principle of providing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policies-and-procedures/1445.shtm.

WINTER 2015 | 3

Music + Culture

H E H T

d talk

er ban b m e m n e v e This s

Photo by Jonathon Courter

S T N U H e road

ks fa

fe on th i l h t i w n u f d mily an

DER IE MOSLAN Words by ELLLSY KERSHAW Design by KE NATHON COURTER Photos by JOCOLIN FONTENOT &

Photo by Jonathon Courter

s musicians, the Hunts, an indie-folk band, are always on the road and playing music.

On a quick break from traveling on the road to stop to do their laundry, Jenni Hunt, a vocalist, guitarist and violinist for the band, took the time to talk about life as a musician.

“Everyone lives out of one bag,” she said laughing.

As a band their life consists of traveling across the country, playing different venues always on the go.

“Touring is somewhat like family vacation for us,” said Josh Hunt, lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. “We are able to enjoy fun activities on the road including bowling, basketball, disc golf, putt putt or whatever is popular in the current city.”

Jenni said they love every minute of it. She said they make lots of memories together and get to see the entire country.

“We have an opportunity a lot of siblings don’t get to experience,” Jenni said.

The band consists of five brothers and two sisters: Jenni, Jessie, Josh, Jonathan, Jordan, Justin and Jamison. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, they began playing in their local community from farmers markets to festivals and later on branched out to other venues. The Hunts began touring in 2007.

“Music has always been in our home,” Jenni said. “It was always something we loved.”

The Hunts have always had a passion for music. There is a unique bond with the band because of their shared love of music and the relationships they all have with one another.

The music is a part of their family. The Hunt’s parents travel with them and are very involved with everything. The connection the family has with one another shows.

“Playing music with the family is rewarding for multiple reasons,” Josh said. “Most recently we’ve been honored to have fans sing along during our set – that’s so rewarding as a band to hear the crowd singing something we’ve written.”

Everything the hunts produce is very much a product of their own and it shows. Jessi Hunt said they all write their music. Even their merchandise reflects the band personally.

Jenni designed the album artwork for the new EP “Life Was Simple.” Jessi also makes handmade hats and sells them.

6 | SPEAK magazine

Touring is somewhat like family vacation for us.

- Josh Hunt The Hunts have experienced a new season recently after signing with Cherry Tree records and releasing the new EP featuring three songs: “Make This Leap,” “Lifting The Sea” and “Remember Us” which were all written by the band.

Jenni said the EP is about the experiences they have shared as siblings and the memories they have made together.

“Our music is heavily inspired by memories we share from our younger days,” Josh said. “You can imagine with a family this tightly knit we have numerous intriguing memories. Our past is a place we’ve gone to for inspiration on the content of our music, and we have plenty more to write about.”

Jenni said the EP has received good responses and the tour they launched shortly after has been going well. The Hunts found themselves in Ruston last spring when they played at Techfest for the first time.

“We love playing colleges,” Jenni said. “We had a great experience the first time.”

The passion the band has for their music shows in all of their songs and how they interact with one another. It is apparent to fans they truly love what they do. It is an experience like no other that they share with one each other.

The Hunts bring an aspect to the stage that is extremely unique and it is genuinely enjoyable and inspiring to watch.

They are extremely enthusiastic, lively and down to earth; they know how to make the audience feel welcomed and apart of their music. All of the members play multiple instruments and switch out throughout their shows, they sing and dance around the stage and people can see they genuinely are having a great time. It is refreshing to see musicians really enjoy what they do firsthand.

“We are doing what we love and the songs you hear is the result,” Josh said. “We feel like this is just the beginning.”

Photos by Colin Fontenot

WINTER 2015 | 7

XBox One Microsoft seems to finally be waking up and realizing what they need to do to move units. Recently, they started selling a version without the heavily derided motion-tracking “Kinect” camera which knocked the price down by $100 and put it on even footing with the PS4.

Electrohome® SignatureTM Retro Hi-Fi Stereo System with Record Player Talk about an all-inone machine, this player is exactly the kind of novelty music snobs love to brag about owning when company is over.

Microsoft | $350

Magnetic Deer Head Wall Hook Good luck misplacing your keys with this stylish deer-themed wall hook.

Amazon | $200

Urban Outfitters | $12

Guess Ambelu Pointed-Toe Pumps You’ll never be out of fashion with these timeless black pumps.

Dillard’s | $110

Kate Shaw Mass Print This beautiful art print will add a pop of color to any room!

Urban Outfitters | $39

8 | SPEAK magazine

thinksound ms01 in-ear monitor headphones A set of headphones or the quiet types. Perfect for getting in the zone at the library or zoning out your annoying neighbors. thinksound | $120

JUST A FEW OF SPEAK’S

Favorite Things

38” San Clemente Stained Glass 3 Complete Longboard Cruise the streets with this board that is almost too pretty to ride.

Sam Clemente Longboard Company Outlet | $163

Community Coffee Traditional Coffee Variety Pack Locals can count on getting a cup of Community at restaurants—now they can get it at home. It has been a staple in the state of Louisiana but now it can be one for you every day.

Community Coffee | $23

WINTER 2015 | 9

L B B I E U

S

B

Fashion

BOILERS

WINTER FASHIONS INSPIRED BY SOME OF SPEAK’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY DRINKS During this hot and cold, wet and dry, icy and spicy season we call Louisiana winter, it’s hard to keep your wardrobe equipped with appropriate garments. In this issue, Speak offers you some versatile looks for our unpredictable southern weather. We have cardigans, velvet, denim, sweaters, wool and so much more. All of these looks can be found right here in Ruston and will have you looking your hottest this winter.

Photos by JONATHON COURTER

Design by KELSY KERSHAW

White Hot Chocolate

Fur jacket by Mink Pink | $149.99 Top by Naked Zebra | $33 Jeans by Article of Society | $64.99 Jacket and jeans available at All That Jazz Top available at Rodeo Boutique

Ingredients: • 1 c. white chocolate chips • 1 c. heavy cream • 4 c. half-&-half • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • Vanilla whipped topping (for garnish) • Mint leaf (for garnish)

Poinsettia Mimosa Ingredients: • 3 tangerines • Maraschino cherries • 3 c. cranberry juice • 1/4 c. orange liqueur • 2 tbsp. grenadine syrup • 1 750-mL bottle of champagne

Sweater by Karlie | $79 Top by Show Me Your Mumu | $124 Necklace by Vanessa Mooney | $36 Available at Rodeo Boutique

Fur Vest by Tart Collections | $159 Necklaces: Giving Keys | $37 Brass Statement | $21 Available at Rodeo Boutique

Top and skirt by Skies are Blue | $50, $49 Shoes by Chinese Laundry | $109 Necklace | $38 Available at Beau Monde

Pomegranate Spritzer Ingredients: • 1 1/2 c. 100% pomegranate juice • 1 1/2 qt. San Pellegrino (seltzer water) • 1 lime, thinly sliced

Coat by Ya Los Angeles | $60 Jeans by Henry and Belle | $140 Available at Beau Monde

WINTER 2015 | 13

Spiced Cappuccino

Ingredients: 1 c. hot brewed espresso 1 c. flavored liquid nondairy creamer 1/2 c. whipped topping or ice cream 1 dash ground cinnamon 1 dash ground cardamom

14 | SPEAK magazine

Playsuit by Mink Pink | $85.99 Available at All That Jazz Necklace $26 Available at Rodeo Boutique

WINTER 2015 | 15

2 | SPEAK magazine

Dressing like a

SOUTHERN

GENTLEMAN Words by ELLIOTT TERRAL

Photos by DEEPANJAN MUKHOPADHYAY

O

nce upon a time, college students dressed in a manner that represented the nobility of higher education. Today, athletic wear and sweatpants are common in our classrooms. I don’t personally believe that this has anything to do with laziness or apathy.

If you’re going to class, you obviously care a little bit. Rather, I believe that today’s young adults just aren’t as informed as they once were about sartorial manners. We never learned how clothes should fit; instead, our parents pushed the notion that cheap clothes (which often fall apart quickly, are hideous, or God forbid, both) were easier and better.

In the following lines, I hope to dismiss that notion and in the process, help you gents get back to your well-dressed roots for these cooler months. Now, cheap clothes cost less for a reason – they are poorly made. However, investing in a few versatile, quality wardrobe staples will save you much more money in the long run. Remember, one of the everlasting

rules of fashion is quality over quantity.

In the dissections of these three outfits, we will talk a little about why these pieces work together. I will try to emphasize the harmony of the look, which generally consists of a tight color palette, a variety of textures (appropriate for the season, of course) and most importantly, a proper fit.

SPRING 2015 | 3

Our most formal look, this outfit’s secret lies in its details. This ensemble can be worn to class, church, work, etc. Remember, Oscar Wilde said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” The wool herringbone jacket is perfect for these cooler months, and the harmony between the jacket, shirt, tie and pocket square elevate this look to new heights. The variance in textures throughout also makes it much more interesting and exquisite. The key feature of a jacket is the shoulders – if they do not fit your body, no amount of tailoring will make the jacket look good. Many men, unfortunately, tend to buy outerwear in a size much larger than they should. Be aware of this when you head to the shops to find the perfect blazer; because odds are, the salesperson does not know or care.

OUTFIT 1

18 | SPEAK magazine

With each of these looks, our eligible bachelor is sporting gray denim and a pair of brown leather desert boots (or chukkas, if you prefer). Brown leather and denim are some of the most versatile materials in the world. They can be dressed up for a smart, sharp look or made casual by what is up top. Here, we see a fur-lined cotton jacket that emphasizes the slim physique, without being too tight. It is worn over a slim, gray V-neck, and the blue hand-knit scarf adds a level of sophisticated panache with a pop of color. This is a fairly casual look, but its level of stylishness is apparent due to the excellent fit of the clothes - not too tight as to seem uncomfortable and not too baggy as to appear as if the wearer is hiding in his clothes. This look is perfect for a successful night out that could well lead into a night in. Blue and brown tones always complement each other, and everything appears warm, cozy and muted.

OUTFIT 2

WINTER 2015 | 19

2 | SPEAK magazine

Here we have a look that’s perfect for class, a sporting event or a date. This flannel tartan shirt is warm and dark, and pairs well with the oatmeal color of this lovely shawl collar cardigan (like a suit, always leave that bottom-button open). The shirt’s buttondown collar also helps with the overall look, giving you great options for any occasion (tie or no tie?). Again, we are sticking with darker colors per the season, but the contrast between the shoes, cardigan and shirt do not ever leave this look feeling heavy. The cardigan emphasizes the torso and elegantly contrasts the slim trousers, as well.

OUTFIT 3

You can always retool each of these pieces to complete an entirely new outfit, and you should certainly branch out and broaden your style horizons.

Before we part ways, I would like to leave you with a few tips and sources of inspiration. If you do not subscribe to GQ, either in print or digitally, I highly suggest you do it. There is consistently great information in each issue that spans the entire universe of gentlemanly endeavors: style, eating, drinking, etc. If you are an avid Instagram user, like myself, here are some awesome users to follow for daily menswear inspiration: @manolocostanewyork, @grayers, @blakescott_, @ thetieguy, @astuteattire, @thedressedchest, @iamgalla, @thom_sweeney, @ mrsuitsupply, @thepacman82.

These accounts will introduce you to a few different styles and hopefully, encourage you to build on your own. Last but not least, know and follow fashion expert Nick Wooster.

His style is a little “out there” for most men, but he has been involved with more famous fashion brands and labels than most people under the sun. He has got excellent insight into the realm of menswear, and his hair is always on-point. Now, go forth and enjoy your new confidence.

WINTER 2015 | 21

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GIVINGKEYS The

Words by KATIE BRUMFIELD Design by KELSY KERSHAW

T

he Giving Keys employs those looking to transition out of homelessness. They employ them to make jewelry out of repurposed keys that carry messages meant to inspire across the top of the key. When the wearer of the key meets someone who they feel needs the message, they give it away and send the story of why they gave the key away to The Giving Keys.

WINTER 2015 | 23

Features

SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

I FELT A BURNING SENSATION DEEP DOWN. I was heartbroken and searching for reasons what went wrong. It took weeks to build up the courage to ask my crush on a date, and now I was staring at her latest text.“I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it to dinner tomorrow night,” it read. “Something personal came up.” That was all the text said, and now I was faced with being single headed into Valentine’s Day.

Words by BRENNEN LEGE

Photos by DEEPANJAN MUKHOPADHYAY

he embarrassment and frustration pitted themselves in my psyche and would not leave.

“Some better-looking guy must have asked her out,” I remember thinking to myself.

We are talking about the holiday machine that causes Americans to spend $17.3 billion at $133.91 per person on candy, flowers, cards, jewelry and expensive steak dinners, per online news source The Guardian.

I sought after some advice on getting to a happier place. I needed some sort of proof or vindication for my failure.

The first thing I found out that I was not alone in being alone.

In September, Bloomberg published an article about a researcher who found that for the first time since at least 1976, single Americans outnumbered couples.

From there I decided that treating the next day like any other day of the year was a good starting point. But deep down I felt that was a weak way of dealing with how I felt.

I figured I should be able to enjoy this holiday as much as anyone else.

Valentine’s Day is all about love, so what better way to celebrate than loving myself? I was the only date I needed start building myself into a better person.

And although it was a selfish viewpoint, I also wanted spite those who will be sucking face all day and draining their wallets.

I awoke early that morning, eager to take the whole day off to get into some sort of adventure.

26 | SPEAK magazine

I reached in the fridge for some cold leftover pizza but stopped myself. Today I had to keep in mind that being selfish did not mean I could just let myself go, but to truly look out for myself for once.

It had been a few months since my last visit, but after wolfing down eggs and oatmeal, I laced up my runners and headed to the gym.

While I lifted, I thought about how absurd it was for me to not be in here every day getting fit. My university provided me with a free membership, and there I was squandering it by not actually ever going. It felt good to sweat away any anxiety lingering in my head, and I left the gym in a positive mood.

After a quick shower and shave, I headed to my favorite barbershop in town to get a fresh cut.

There was still plenty of time to pick up some groceries, wash my car and clean up around the house before lunch. I had enough energy to actually get multiple things done today, something I was not used to.

I had gotten so much done that I did not even know what to do past lunch. I decided to reward myself by barbecuing and invited some single friends to join me. Later we hit the town and had a blast.

All I could think about was why I was not spending every day like this. It was a lot of extra effort than what I was usually investing into my life, but it made such a big difference in how I felt.

That Valentine’s Day, a day that started in uncertainty and self-doubt, is now the blueprint to how I try spending every day of my life. Every one seems to get better than the last.

“Valentine’s Day is all about love, so what better way to celebrate than loving myself?”

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GREAT intentions, horrible WILLPOWER Words by WYNNIFRED SANDERS 28 | SPEAK magazine

Photo by BRIAN BLAKELY

“A New Year, A New You.” That is a common phase that we hear every year and just because it sounds right in your ear doesn’t mean it’s the truth.

Every year individuals compile a list of habits that they plan to change about themselves, and every year New Year’s seems like a great beginning.

Change is inevitable—but it’s more likely that you will remain

the same person on January 1, 2015, that you were on Dec 31, 2104. That sounds harsh but it’s true.

David Wilkes a senior political science major said, “I’ve never set a New Years Resolution because that would require me to set a goal that may not be attainable therefore, setting myself up to fail at being me – which is outrageous.”

It is preposterous to expect someone to overcome a habit or addition that they have spent their entire lives perfecting.

According to the University of Scranton’s, Journal in Clinical Psychology, “Only 8 percent of all individuals are successful in achieving their resolution goals.”

Taylor Morgan, a sophomore political science major said, “I was able to fulfill my New Year’s “I’ve completed resolutions resolutions after a couple of start overs. By in the past but not being starting over a couple of able to fulfill them hasn’t times it made me more had an effect on fulfilling ambitious and deterother obligations throughout mined.” the year because usually Morgan also said, “When I was trying to my New Year’s resolution fulfill other obligations I is something I can’t really just thought it could be stick to anyway.” more challenging than a New Year’s resolution.”

KELLER HANAGAN This is exactly the attitude we should have senior political science major going into the New Year because why shouldn’t be changing or altering things about ourselves just for the purpose of completing a task that probably won’t last an entire month yet alone the whole year.

Though New Year’s resolutions are a staple for some just like getting a kiss when the clock strikes midnight—not everyone takes them seriously Keller Hanagan, a senior political science major said, “I’ve completed resolutions in the past but not being able to fulfill them hasn’t had an effect on fulfilling other obligations throughout the year because usually my New Years resolution is something I can’t really stick to anyway.”

New Years may not be the best time for individuals to make life-altering decisions just because they might feel pressed by friends, family or society.

If you plan to stop drinking and you don’t have the motivation or a plan in place—even if you do and you fail—you have damaged your self-worth and confidence. Therefore, if you have an issue with drinking trying to give it up may lead you to drinking even more. This goes the same for smoking, eating, cursing, etc.

So check out these New Year’s resolution cliques and try your best to avoid them this year. If you must attempt them try not to screw it up this year.

WINTER 2015 | 29

Black Friday A satirical short story about the war zone that is America’s biggest shopping trip of the year Words by CODY SEXTON

I

’ve seen many terrible things in my life.

I’ve even been the cause of some of them, but nothing, not a minute of my extensive military training, could have prepared me for this. The bitter cold. The screaming. The chaos.

I had barely finished my blessed turkey “dinner” before receiving my new orders. If you could call that “dinner” being served at 2 p.m. I had yet to scoop up my last bite of potatoes before the commander hurried my plate away from me.

“We need to get a move on, dear,” she tells me. “If we want to make it to the mall on time.” I hear the remnants of my meal meet the garbage disposal. I envy it.

I ready myself for the long battle that lies ahead as my commander informs me of the mission. The commander calls it “Black Friday.”

“Now we have to get Jimmy the new X-Station or whatever it is game,” she instructs me as I lace up my boots. “’Zombie Infestation 4’ is the name and Beth wants the new Ms. Teen Sensation doll with the sparkling dress. And then there’s…”

The commander continues to list the almost endless objectives of our perilous mission. I nod to acknowledge my understanding.

We gear up with thick coats and woolen scarfs to protect ourselves from the bitter cold. The commander tells me there is a lengthy waiting period involved.

We make our way to the unit’s shuttle bus that will take us to the trenches.

“Did you grab the keys to the Volvo, dear?” The commander calls out. I hold them above my head in response.

As we make our way to the battlefield, I look out the window at the snow-covered ground. The white purity reminds me of times long since past of the blissful innocence of my childhood. What a fool I was.

The shuttle suddenly stops and I am awoken from my daydreams. The commander turns to me.

“Okay now, you remember everything, right?” the commander asks. I nod. “I’ll get most of the stuff, just make sure you get the video game and the doll. The kids asked for those specifically.” The commander has decided to take on a heavy load, but entrusted me with the most 30 | SPEAK magazine

Design by KELSY KERSHAW

important of missions.

“Before I forget, here’s some hot cocoa.” The commander hands me a thermos containing my rations. As we exit our transport and make our way to the battlefield, I quickly realize that it is in fact a vast fortress.

The walls are high and it contains many levels, each with its own horrors, I am sure. We make our way to the entrance marked “Macy’s.” It’s written in red, undoubtedly blood from the fallen soldiers before us. There is already a hoard of enemy personnel there.

We settle ourselves on the edge of enemy lines and make camp.

“Let’s just set the chairs here, dear,” the commander orders.

I take my seat ever vigilant. Keeping a wary eye on the enemy, I allow myself some of my scarce rations to keep warm against the bitter wind. “Now we just have to wait!” the commander informs me. If it were me calling the shots, I would rush beyond enemy lines now and begin the battle. However, due to conduct of war, we wait.

Time passes slowly in the trenches. Hours pass. Days.

Months even. Time ceases to exist in this freezing abyss of hell. The cold gets the better of me and I slip into a troubled slumber.

My dreams are uneasy. I dream of last year’s mission. We barely made it out alive. The horrific sounds of screams and cash registers echo in my head. I awaken suddenly to find that more of the enemy have arrived and are stretching far behind us. I look in horror to the commander for support.

She looks up from her knitting to offer a reassuring smile and asks how I slept.

I turn away in shame. I don’t want the horrors of my mind to show in my face so I busy myself with my thermos of rations. It’s empty. Moral is low.

Time creeps by as I slowly slip into madness. Just when I feel I’m at my breaking point, the commander turns to me.

“It’s almost time,” the commander says as she stands up and stuffs her knitting into her rucksack.

I look ahead to see the enemy stirring. It won’t be long now.

They sense it. I can as well. I can see the guards inside of the fortress unlocking doors. They are about to allow us entry.

“Now remember,” the commander said. “The video game and the doll. Those are the most popular toys. I can get the rest.” I am ready for my mission. I have trained for this.

Then it happens, no sooner had the commander stopped speaking that the doors opened and the crowd rushed forward like the ants of a disturbed anthill. The commander rushes forward and I follow in suit, fighting the enemy hoard with all my strength.

After I gain access to the fortress, I make my way through the racks of clothing to the main atrium. I see people everywhere heading every which way. It is pure pandemonium. Luckily for me, both of my objectives lie in one location: Toys 4 Kids. A seasoned soldier to this battle, I know the fortress’ layout and I find the nearest escalator. As I ascend above the crowd below I am offered a gentle reprieve from the suffocating masses that had once engulfed me.

At the second level, however, I am met with horror. There were more people up here than anticipated and they were all making their way to Toys 4 Kids. I am not discouraged though. I make my way diligently forward with my mission in the forefront of my mind. People are scrambling to get

inside. Some clinging to purchases and others free of the confines of Dillard’s bags. I lower myself to the ground and army crawl through the forest of legs unnoticed.

On the other side I offer myself the smallest of congratulations but stop at the sign of the store. It is a hotbed of enemy personnel. I am not discouraged though. I make my way to the electronics department as it is the closest. After narrowly avoiding a basketball to the head, I find myself in the video game aisle where I hurriedly comb the shelves for the game to no avail. Row after row I search. I had almost admitted defeat and hung my head in shame when I saw it sticking out from beneath a pile of “My Friendly Pony” games, : “Zombie Infestation 4.”

I greedily scooped up the game. No time to waste. Now for the doll. The dolls were close by. It almost seemed too easy.

Keeping my head down, I made my way past the aisles of bikes, scooters and board games when I noticed everything was pink. I knew I’d made it. I turned into the aisle housing the smiling, glittering figures all gussied up in bright dresses when a true horror met my eyes.

Two women were fighting over a doll. And not just any doll.

The doll. The one I was entrusted to get for Beth, “Ms. Teen Sensation.”

“Let go of it!” shouted one woman in a novelty Disneyland sweater as she ferociously tugged at the box housing the doll.

But the other woman would not yield.

She dug her heels into the ground and pulled just as hard. I had to get that doll. The commander was counting on me. But how?

As if the universe was answering my question, the woman in the Disneyland sweater had snatched the doll out of the other woman’s grasp. She turned to leave when the second woman launched herself onto the first woman and they crashed to the floor. It was a fight to the death. The doll lay forgotten on the floor beside them.

I hurried over and just as I reached for it a stray kick by one of the women caught me in the face. I fell to the ground, defeated.

This was it. The end. I had failed.

No. I would not accept defeat. I would get that doll. And with that second wind I raised myself up. The women were still fighting and the doll lay discarded. I crawled with all my might to it and with one victorious snatch it was in my grasp.

Victory.

I met the commander at the rendezvous point outside of the Sunglass Hut. “Did you get the game and the doll, dear?” she asked. I help up the Toys 4 Kids bag. “Great! Are you ready to go home?”

What kind of question was that? I nodded in response. We escaped the fortress with ease and crossed the parking lot.

Back in the transport that would take us to base camp, the commander turned to me as I rest my head on the cold window. “Well, this sure will be a Merry Christmas!” she said with a smile.

Yes, a “Merry Christmas” indeed. But at what cost? At what cost?

WINTER 2015 | 31

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