The bus pulled into Wal-Mart. Palms swayed in the breeze and I couldn’t help but think that even Wal-Mart is prettier in Florida. As I was getting off the bus I asked the driver when the next one would be going back to the island. “In 20 minutes.” He said before closing the door. I checked the time on my phone and glanced up at the building that now felt overwhelming. It was bigger than the ones back home and even those take me 40 minutes to find something. Luckily, it was set up just like ours used to be, before they “remodeled” and got rid of half of their products. Elastics - check, Tylenol and band aids – check, snacks…snacks…oh, wow they’ve got a lot of stuff…ok – check. With everything gathered I headed to the photo center. I’d done a little bit of looking before we left home and had decided that if I had to get a camera I was going to go for a Sony Cybershot. I’ve done big and bulky and really, I just wanted something that could snap photos at the park and fit in my purse. And it was there and even better, it was being clearanced out. But right next to it was the great-great-grandson of my Fuji…for the same price as the dinky little thing I had in my hand. And oh how beautiful it was! I sighed and looked away. Fuji doesn’t make cameras like they used to and I didn’t want to be disappointed. I bought the Sony and the handful of other things in my cart and ran as fast as I could back to the bus stop.
You’ll never believe this, but I just missed it. My bag slipped from my hands to my feet and a piece of my heart fell with it as I watched the bus pull onto the highway and disappear. I pulled my bus schedule out again. Another 20 minutes. I sat on the bench and opened my new camera. It would need to be charged, but at least I wouldn’t need batteries. I flipped through the manual and noticed something…no internal memory and the memory card wasn’t included. I closed my eyes and searched my memory for the contents of the gift shop back at the hotel. No, I didn’t remember seeing memory cards. I ran back through the store and bought one, praying I wasn’t to late for another bus. I made it just in time and relieved, stepped inside. “On my way. Meet me in the room. Be ready for the beach!!!” I texted.
My husband was out on the balcony when I finally got back. I tied my hair up in Princess Laia buns and filled up the beach bag. “Ready?” I said out the balcony door. The sand was like baby powder, soft and blinding white in the sun. The waves crashed along the shore. We waded through the water, down to our hips, before deciding that it was unpleasantly cool and spent the rest of our afternoon relaxing on lounge chairs in the sun. I could’ve stayed there forever. Of course, then I’d be as leathery as the men I’d seen walking through town.
If you’re wondering about the first part of the day click here.
If you want to see the next part of the story, come back tomorrow.
For pictures, click here.
