The Fitting Room

It was her first time out since her surgery. She felt intimidated by the loud noise of the mall, which made her even more anxious as she had retreated to the confines of the changing area...

"Just let me know if I can be of assistance," the woman called from outside the fitting room.

"Thank you," she said softly. Her voice was quieter than usual; she didn't want to draw attention to herself. "I'm fine."

She looked in the wall mirror adjacent to the door.

"Damn straight," she thought to herself as she eyed her reflection.

"Not bad, not bad at all." She decided she liked this one the best. A calf-length maroon wool skirt, which was set off nicely by the chocolate brown boots with the tasteful and manageable two-inch heel. Between the length of the skirt and the fit of the boot, her tights were hidden but for the nicely provocative slit on the side of the skirt, which revealed that she had gorgeous legs.

"Fifty-Two and I've still got it," she whispered to herself. She checked the fit of the jacket; a nice claret in brocade, covering a soft bone-colored silk blouse. The top two buttons were unfastened, revealing a smart teardrop necklace of jade, which was mirrored in the matching jade earrings.

"Ah...Terroso..." She said to herself; her uncharacterisitic creamy complexion complemented the rich earth tones of her outfit. She blew a kiss to herself before stepping out of the changing room into the bright lights of the shop.

He stood as she stepped out, marveling at her poise and beauty; nothing, not even the unnecessary but understandable fear of cancer had daunted her spirit. She was as lovely as when they first married; perhaps even more so, with a glow of beauty that can only come from maturity.

"How's this one?" She asked, winking like a twenty-year-old coquette.

"As gorgeous as the last three," he said with a smile.

"Just two more, I promise, okay?" She pled like a school girl asking permission to go to her first middle school sleepover.

"Okay, just four more, he kidded her." He leaned against the rack for support.

"I'm sorry, honey, are you okay?" Her voice filled with concern.

"Oh, yes...just a bit tired...I'm fine...Go ahead...try the turquoise one..." He smiled again and she retreated into the room once more.

He stood across from the doorway and looked at the display of chic outfits that the store recommended. Rich wools and silks; leathers and suedes...all beckoning, calling his name. He shook his head and sighed.

"God, she does look good....maybe someday...." He said as he wiped his eyes with a hankerchief. "Maybe someday.