Only moments ago,

One fair-haired doctor was facing something far more nerve-wracking than the latest outbreak of bird flu, than a summons into the witch's *ahem* his director's lair, than even an invite to his ex-wife's wedding.

No, this brave soul had ventured into that place so terrifying at that time so ill-omened that those who later heard the tale were awe-struck at his valor.

Yes, it's true. Stephen Connor had entered the Toys R Us the week before Christmas.

It was likely our hero had planned a quick quest- strenuous perhaps, but possible. He had after all, planned his excursion well, and carried with him a precious list of not one but three possible treasures he intended to carry away from that dread locale.

He'd dodged past pairs of frantic grandparents, weaved through hoards of screaming children, and even slipped free of the clutches of more than one single mommy.

And yet- it was all for naught. All three of the toys on his prince's list were gone, ripped from the shelves of that horrid establishment by some other son's slightly less procrastinating father. In fact, Stephen was fairly sure he's seen one of those treacherous men barreling through the crowd back the way he'd come. He'd seen the other's frantic attempts to hide his bounty, but hadn't thought to swerve from his intended course to wrestle the prize from the other's hands.

It was, our champion now knew, the error that would lead to his failure.

Presently,

One other blonde haired doctor is waiting in her car in the light of the ominous parking lot. She knows her quarry is somewhere inside the hellhole before her, and she wonders if she should venture in after, should offer him the hope he now thinks lost.

Wonders if she too must dare the monster of the mob though chances are what she seeks might elude her all together.

No, Natalie Durant will keep her vigil alone, until that brave warrior returns to the faithful Camino that she has parked so deliberately beside.

She knows she has, perhaps, erred on the side of triumph in this dark hour, has seen the bleak signs posted outside the doors—signs another has likely overlooked in his haste. Not one but three prized selections have been sold out for over a week.

She does the unthinkable, she knows, with this plan of her's. She has hacked pass codes, scrounged through another's possessions, and even tripped locks on carefully barred apartment doors, her mentor standing gleefully beside her all the while, to steal the knowledge she needed.

And yet, she would do it all again. For in the face of this familial failure, this despair upon the brow of our blue-eyed hero, she has won through to the other side. In fact, Natalie is sure that she, and no one else, has this time saved the day. She sees a familiar head bowed in defeat approach across the lot, and exits her car.

And waits, with barely restrained glee, to hand her 'boss' the three gifts she's bought a month ago on Amazon.

A belated X-mas gift or present (get it present??? ...never mind) for two lovelies who keep this archive among the living. Hope you both enjoy dears!