There’s a mall nearby that is closing.  All the interior stores have closed and only a couple of the big stores on the ends remain open.  There has been talk for years about what could be done to make the property more viable but it’s always seemed inevitable to me that the mall would fail.  Three or four years ago I did all my Christmas shopping there because it was never crowded.  Not even just before the holiday.

They were advertising wonderful sales at Macy’s; 50% off already marked down stuff.  Husband and I decided to go see what was available.  It was oddly sad.  Most of the store was blocked off, and merchandise was piled and hung in clumps, thoroughly picked over, like an overpriced garage sale.

But for me the saddest things were in the basement where they were selling fixtures; shelving, file cabinets, decorations, mirrors, tables and manikins.  The naked manikins, standing in groups, lined up or hanging in rows were somehow disheartening.  Like children not picked to play on a team in middle school gym class, they seem lonely.  And a little bit embarrassed at being unclothed.  Yet the symmetry of their body parts was intriguing as well.  The way they were grouped together, either as members of a marching army, or guests at a cocktail party seemed to inspire a story.  One without a happy ending.

Which is why I went back a day or two later with my camera.  To capture the end of an era.