Nippy Weather

On Saturday mornings, Steph and I have gotten into the habit of exercising at Fitness First, followed by a visit to the Subiaco Market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and breads. Often times, I prefer to extend the length of my workout routine to the point at which Steph no longer finds exercising enjoyable. In those instances, Steph scoots over to the market while I finish my workout. I later meet her outside of the market to help her carry our fresh produce and loaves of bead home. On our most recent visit, I had a most unpleasant encounter with a mannequin.

I had just finished my workout and was on my way to the market. A storm was rolling in, the skies were blackening, and the winds were blustering. So much so that one of the mannequins outside an expensive clothing boutique had blown over. It was a female mannequin and was wearing an expensive dress. Trying to be helpful, I picked up the mannequin and positioned it in, what I thought, was a stable position. Satisfied that the problem was resolved, I began to continue on my way. As I did, a gust of wind blew past me. As I reached to secure my hat to my head, I also realized that the mannequin wasn't as stable as I had originally thought. It had been blown off balance, tipping forward, and its headless body was rapidly descending toward the concrete sidewalk. Instinctively, I lunged and leaned backward with an outstretched arm to prevent the mannequin from a damaging fall. I was just quick enough and managed to catch it with one hand.

The self satisfaction coming as a result of this successful catch was brief. I had inadvertently put myself in a compromising situation. I had caught the mannequin by the right breast. What made this particularly awkward was that the gust of wind had also blown the right shoulder strap of the dress down the mannequin's arm revealing it's bare plastic breast. The very breast I now found myself gripping firmly. Standing there, a little stunned, I started to attract attention from the people in the nearby shops and cafes. The looks did not convey praise for my noble efforts. No, I was getting looks of puzzlement and raised eyebrows. Who could really blame them. All they saw was a young man groping a half dressed mannequin.

Naturally, I was overcome by the urge to run away. So I did. I ran into the clothing shop to notify an employee that their mannequin outside was not able to withstand the high winds and was better suited in the shop's window. As I followed the employee back outside, I realized, that in my haste, I had forgotten to redress the mannequin. Upon seeing the disheveled mannequin, the employee turned back to me with a sly smile. Shaking my head in disbelief of my misfortune, I quickly made my escape to the markets.

It just wasn't my day; no matter how good my intentions were, that mannequin failed to cooperate. Since then, I keep my distance from that mannequin on my walk to and from the gym. Windy or otherwise.