The summer sun blazed mercilessly upon the small town, its rays cooking the asphalt and baking the air into a thick soup that hung like a suffocating blanket over everything it touched. It was one of those days where even the birds had stopped singing and the trees stood still, waiting for relief from the unrelenting heat. But I couldn't stay inside any longer; my skin was sticky with sweat, my hair plastered to my forehead, and my clothes were clinging to me in an obscene way that would have made my grandmother blush.
The slowly spinning fan in my bedroom did little to alleviate the oppressive atmosphere, and I knew that if I didn't escape soon, I might just lose my mind. So I grabbed a bottle of water and headed outside, gulping down as much as I could before making my way towards the bus stop.
The walk there wasn't long, yet it gave me time to reflect on how much I hated summer. The heat was unbearable, especially when you had to wear layers upon layers of clothing just to avoid being arrested for indecency. My skirt rode up my thighs with every step, revealing more than it should have, but in this weather anything less would be criminal.
When I finally arrived at the bus stop, I felt like a mess; sweat stains soaked through my shirt and my hair stuck to my neck in thick strands that made me look like an overripe fruit. But I didn't care, since I had a genius plan for cooling off: The mall.
The air conditioned haven was calling my name, promising relief from the heat that threatened to cook my brain. The mall had recently undergone a much needed renovation, with new stores, a whole new wing dedicated to food, and, the single thing on my mind right now, an AC system strong enough to rival a blizzard.
The bus finally arrived, and I squeezed onto it alongside other sweaty commuters, each one of us eagerly awaiting our escape from this cooking sardine can. We rode in silence, each of us suffering together, until I reached the mall. Squeezing once again through the bus's doors, I made my way into the cool haven that was the first step towards salvation.
As soon as I passed the mall's doors, I was blasted by cold air so refreshing it felt like a kiss on my skin. My clothes clung to me no more, but instead slid off with ease, and I could finally breathe without feeling like I was drowning. The AC had done its job, and I reveled in the momentary relief before heading out to explore the stores.
The first stop was a big clothing store. Recognizable brands lined the walls, each one promising cool comfort for the sweltering heat outside. The were couples, men and women, parents and children, all seeking respite from the inferno that was summer. But not me; I needed something different. Something special.
I took my time. Walking through racks of clothes, picking up this and that, feeling their textures against my skin. My hands roamed over silk and cotton, denim and lace, each one calling to me in its own way. I built up a small collection before my next goal: The swimwear section.
There, both sides of the room were filled with bikinis, one-pieces, and more revealing suits that made me wonder if anyone would dare wear them at the beach. After a while, I selected a simple red two-piece, cut low enough to show off what I had but not too much. It was perfect for the heat, and I couldn't wait to try it on.
And then, I found the changing rooms, surrounded by the same type of crowd as before, all waiting for a partner or a family member to step out so they could showcase their finds. I had to wait quite a bit longer than expected, and I couldn't help but notice the warning notice. "Caution: Cameras are in use."
