Mildred hated asking for assistance, even in emergencies. She was fiercely independent even after retiring as a school librarian. She lived peacefully in a humble Tampa apartment on her meager pension and the love of family, particularly her granddaughter Clara.
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
Clara illuminated her. She had a brilliant smile, compassionate eyes, and a dreamy heart at eighteen. She was graduating from Strawberry Crest High School in two weeks, and prom was coming up. Mildred understood prom meant ending childhood and starting a new one.
It hurt her heart when Clara stated she wasn’t going.
I don’t care about prom, grandma! Honestly. Clara stated over the phone one evening, “I just want to stay home with Mom and maybe binge-watch old movies.”
But honey, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime night. Do you not desire memories? Your granddad brought me to prom. I was surprised, but he looked great in that rented tux. Mildred smiled as she recalled dancing all night and being married a few months later. “That night changed my life.”
“I know, Grandma, but I have no date. Additionally, the outfits are exorbitant. Just not worth it.”
Clara murmured about studying for exams and hung up before Mildred could continue.
Mildred sat speechless with the phone in her hand. She knew Clara’s heart. Not because she didn’t care, but because she didn’t want to be a burden at prom. Mother Agnes had a minimum-wage job and Mildred lived on a limited budget, so there was no place for frills. For prom dresses, no.
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
Mildred opened a tiny wooden box in her closet back that night. Inside were a few hundred-dollar notes she had secretly saved for her burial. She constantly told herself she didn’t want Agnes and Clara to worry about anything when she died. She saw something after glancing at the banknotes.
Perhaps she should have spent that money on something important while she was alive.
Mildred rode the bus to the city’s best mall the following morning. This purple shirt with pearl buttons was her favorite, and she carried her faded but exquisite purse. She moved slowly but purposefully. As she entered the beautiful edifice with jewel-like window displays, her cane lightly struck the floor.
A store with sparkling dresses and silk and lace mannequins caught her eye after some browsing. It was where dreams were sewn.
She entered.
“Hello! My name is Beatrice. A tall, well-dressed lady inquired, “How can I assist you today?” as she inspected Mildred. Mildred detected her voice’s hesitancy yet smiled. “Hello, dear. Finding a prom outfit for my granddaughter. I want her to feel royal.”
Beatrice cocked her head. “Our gowns cost several hundred dollars. Not for rent—only purchase.”
“Oh, I know,” Mildred responded. “Can you show me this year’s most popular styles?”
She shrugged after hesitating. I think I could. If you want something cheap, consider Target. This shop caters to a diverse audience.
The remarks hurt more than Mildred imagined. She wanted to avoid problems. She gently crossed the racks of gowns, stroking silky materials. Beatrice followed closely.
I’m just going to shop a while, if that’s alright,” Mildred politely said, hoping the woman would give her space.
Beatrice crossed arms. Just so you know, we have cameras everywhere. Considering filling an old purse with items…
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
That finished it. Mildred faced her, heart racing. Excuse me?
Beatrice grinned. Just saying. It occurred before.”
“I will not be dishonest. But I can tell I’m not welcome,” Mildred said gently.
Tearful, she left the shop. She had cloudy eyesight and tense chest. Tripping outside, her pocketbook fell from her grasp and spilled on the sidewalk. Overwhelmed and ashamed, she kneeled to collect her belongings.
Voice burst through the cacophony.
“Ma’am? Are you okay? Kind masculine voice. A young guy in uniform crouched near her as she glanced up.
He looked twenty, his cheeks still round, but his eyes were gentle and steady.
“Let me help you with that,” he replied, gently collecting her stuff and handed her the bag.
“Thank you, officer,” Mildred murmured, wiping her tears with a tissue.
“I’m a cadet—apprentice. “But I’ll be a full officer soon,” he smiled. My name is Leonard Walsh. Tell me what happened?
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
Strangely, Mildred did. She recounted the Clara call, her pension money, and Beatrice’s cruelty.
Leonard’s grin vanished. “That’s… unacceptable,” he stated forcefully. Come on. Back we go.”
“No, I don’t want to cause trouble.”
Leonard said, “It’s not trouble,” assisting her up. “You bought a dress. All done. Go grab it.”
Mildred appeared to the shop, taller with Leonard at her side. Beatrice froze, looking up.
“I thought I told you—oh! Officer! Her voice became syrupy honey as she said hello.
No grin from Leonard. “We want a dress. We won’t go without one.”
He took Mildred inside the store and let her shop while formally complaining to the management. The manager left the backroom frowning, ruining Beatrice’s grin.
Mildred passed the racks and discovered a flowing purple gown with beautiful shoulder beading. Although not flashy or pricey, it was perfect.
“This one,” she said.
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
The manager apologized sincerely and provided a significant discount at the counter. Mildred protested, but Leonard insisted on paying half.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she replied, emotional.
“I know. But I wanted to,” Leonard beamingly replied.
The manager scolded Beatrice in the rear as they left the shop, her voice stiff and stern.
The walkway was bathed in sunshine. Mildred extended her hand to Leonard. “You’re a good young man, Leonard Walsh. This world needs more yous.”
Leonard reddened. “Just doing my part, ma’am.”
She paused, then said, “Do you have weekend plans?”
Amused, he lifted an eyebrow. No, ma’am. You ask why?
Our party follows Clara’s graduation. You should visit. Cake and a beautiful dress await.”
Leonard grins. I’d be honoured.”
Saleslady Kicks Poor Grandma Out of Fancy Store; Cop Brings Her Back
Clara wore the purple outfit that weekend, eyes gleaming. “Grandma…it’s perfect,” she murmured.
Mildred grinned. “You’re perfect, honey. Go dance and create memories.”
Clara laughed with her pals beneath sparkling lights, spinning like a dream in a dress sewn with love and bravery.
In the gathering, a young cadet smiled at the miracle of generosity.
