"the strange American magic of malls"

I had to go to the Viewmont mall to buy pants.

We've all grown during this pandemic, in more ways than one.

My wardrobe these past 2 years has mostly been sweats with a draw string, which can cover up a multitude of sins.

Under ordinary circumstances I could have slept-walked through this. I've been to the mall 1000 times. I know what I need and where it is and how to tell the cashier "no I don't want a store charge card even though I realize I'll save 10%" without hurting any feelings.

But these were not ordinary circumstances. It was my first trip to the mall in nearly 2 years. It felt like the first day of school. I combed my hair and everything.