Chapter 7: Kohl’s

† Friday, November 10, 2023 (one day after the explosion).

An hour after breakfast, Julie is standing in the middle of Kohl’s, the largest nearby department store.

“This is overwhelming! I’d forgotten what shopping in this place was like. Start with what you know, I guess.

“Let’s see, panties in large and 34D bras. Really? Well, she is curvy. Oh, look, these are hot. A matching set in red lace, and then the same thing in beige. Perfect. Theo will thank me. And a sports bra too, just to be comfortable.

“Couple of long-sleeved blouses, one pullover with a v-neck in forest green, one pale blue satin with buttons. Casual pants, navy blue in stretch polyester, and these wool pants in dark gray. Pantyhose, hair clips—yeah, she’s done.

“Now for Sette. Panties, undershirts, socks, and pants. Ugh, she warned me about the colors, yuck. I refuse to buy any clothing that’s colored Pepto-Bismol pink. Oh, finally, here are some green ones, and some khakis. Finally, here’s a two-pack of long-sleeved shirts in good solid colors. Last, a hoodie.

“Oof, I’m glad that’s over.”

Gathering the string handles of her two big shopping bags, Julie swiveled her hips and smacked closed the SUV’s door with her butt.

“Honeys, I’m home!”

Sette took her bag and plopped on the sofa to inspect the merchandise, while her mother took the second bag with thanks for her host.

Julie turned to Cosette.

“I want to set you up now in your own bedroom. You can put away your new clothes in there, even if you don’t actually sleep in that bedroom. OK?”

“Sure, thank you. Where is it?”

“Follow me. So, remember, this one’s for your mom, the opposite door is the master, that’s me. Then this last door would be you, it’s the smallest of these bedrooms on the main floor. Is that alright?”

Julie pushed open the door to show another large bedroom with plenty of space around a queen-sized bed.

“Are you kidding? This room is big enough for three Cosettes. If I had friends, I could have sleepovers.”

That comment left Julie uncomfortable, but she let it pass without comment.

“I can ask about that some other time.”

“That door is the bathroom, which also has a door into the hall for when we have guests. So, you have to keep it tidy with no more than five rubber ducks. We don’t want to be frightening any visitors.”

“Um, Julie, I need to sit down (sniff).”

“Oh, no! What’s wrong? Are you OK?”

“Please, Julie, just stop. I’m OK, give me time. You don’t need to be trying so hard.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You know, with the jokes. Overdoing things. I didn’t need such expensive clothes. Mom and I have been going to the thrift stores. I’m just a kid who’s never had much. I’m not used to this.

“It will be harder when we have to leave, and I give everything back. I know other kids at school who are homeless or on welfare. They all live without their dads. Mom won’t talk with me, but I know that’s where we were headed.

“You’ve always been so kind to me. I appreciate everything, I do. But I’m, uh, stressed. I’m overwhelmed. Sorry, could I just have a little time?”

Julie felt like she’d been hit by a truck.

“What have I done? The poor girl is frightened out of her wits.”

“Cosette, of course. I’ll give you some privacy; take all the time you need. Thanks for confiding in me. I’ll see you at dinner tonight, OK?

“Feel better, sweetie.”