Monster in the Window
Every morning before work, I leave early to avoid rush hour traffic. I leave my house at 6:50 a.m. and drive to downtown Salt Lake. I get to the parking garage and drive in circles to reach the seventh floor. I park, then climb down seven flights of stairs, refusing to take the elevator.
I walk from the parking garage over to City Creek Shopping Center through a tunnel. I walk past the food court, then step onto the escalator, listening to its steady hum echo through the empty space as it carries me upward.
From there, I walk back and forth across a sky bridge that links two separate sections of City Creek divided by Main Street. I see a few people out walking their dogs or walking with friends before work. There are many apartments nearby, some even just above the shopping center.
This is a peaceful place to walk as I start my day. I love window shopping and love the vibe before shops open and the fast-paced life begins. During the holiday season, the displays glow quietly, untouched by crowds or noise.
As I was walking past the window displays, I noticed a monster emerging from the shadows, for a moment, almost quietly saying, “I am here, but I will not hurt you. I am here to keep the shopping mall safe.” I took a picture, wanting to show people what was hiding at the mall.
I remembered being afraid of the dark as a child, running outside to take out the trash, seeing the moon and wind play tricks on autumn leaves. I would run back inside just in time, certain something was chasing me.
Years later, I see the moon and lights once again playing tricks with my vision. This time, I know I am safe, surrounded by the beautiful illusions of the guardians of the mall, once feared watching quietly as the day begins to stir.
Several years ago my dad was a teacher at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of my dad’s former students, Mike, owned a car dealership that sold many high end cars. One day my dad decided to drop in, and say hello to a former student. While visiting he asked, “Mike, tell me one of your most interesting stories here at your car dealership.” Mike replied,” A few months ago a man in torn ragged clothes came into the show room looking at all the cars on display. It was not uncommon for homeless men and women to wander in off the streets to warm up from the cold. When this man came in, he was spending most of his time looking at the Rolls Royce automobiles.
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