30 Day Writing Challenge: Day 6

Day 6 — A stranger

At first I wasn’t sure what to write for this. I saw Solar and Nota’s entries, two very different strangers there. It was Nota’s entry that reminded me of the stranger I’m going to talk about.

When I was younger, probably around 11 or 12, Beanie Babies (you guys remember those?) were insanely popular. My mom, my great-grandmother, great aunt and I were out this particular day and we had stopped at a rather large flea market. It was warm out so some vendors were set up outside. I found a Beanie Baby that I didn’t have, “Spot” if I remember right, at one of these outside vendors.

Inside we were looking around and I followed my mom into this booth that hag gorgeous porcelain ballerina dolls. At this time I was in love with the idea of being a ballerina so I begged my mom for one of the dolls. These dolls weren’t cheap, I can’t remember exactly the price but I would say somewhere near $50.

Mom said no, that I had already gotten something that day. I begged some more but she wouldn’t budge. So as we left the booth I could only look at the doll sadly and pout as I followed her.

My great-grandma and great aunt were a bit tired so they decided to sit in the food court while mom went on ahead. I stayed with them. I was sitting between them, playing with my Beanie Baby when this stranger walked up with something in her arms.

In her arms was one of the ballerina dolls I had seen in the booth.

She stopped in front of me, handed me the doll and said, “Here, I want you to have it. I know you’ll take good care of her.” Then she walked away.

The three of us sitting there were in shock. I immediately stood on the table and started looking for my mom. When I spotted her, I waved frantically for her to come back. Mom came running and when she saw the doll in my arm’s her eyes widened and she demanded to know where I had gotten it.

I told her about the lady, my great-grandma and aunt confirming everything I said. Mom had me walk in the direction the woman had gone to see if I could point her out. After a few minutes I pointed and said, “That’s her.” Mom left me with my great-grandma and aunt once more while she went after the woman.

After talking to the woman, who mom is convinced, was an angel in human form, we went back to the doll booth and learned that the woman had indeed paid for the doll. The booth owner gave me the certificate of authenticity and the box.

I still have this gift that I received from a stranger and I will keep it forever.