Hide and Seek in Target??
When I was about five years old, my dad and I decided to go to Deep River. For those who don’t know, Deep River is a huge and very popular water park in Crown Point, Indiana. My mom was at a conference so it was just my dad and I visiting my grandparents who live about 10 minutes away from Crown Point. But before we could go to Deep River we needed all the supplies for what my parents and I call the waterpark survival kit. Of course, since this was a last-minute decision, my dad and I had none of the supplies so we went to Target. We got our sunscreen, swimsuits, and two pairs of goggles. Then we were on our way!
While at deep River we had tons of fun but me being a five-year-old kid who basically idolized her mother, had fun until I realized I couldn’t have fun without my mom. Once I realized this I told my dad I was ready to go home. But before we could go home, my dad needed to return one of the goggles and a few things we didn’t end up using.
We went back to Target and met with the clerk to return all of our unused stuff. But then I saw them. They were the most beautiful flip flops I had ever seen. I felt like I couldn’t live without them. When my dad handed the goggles to the clerk and said I couldn’t get the flip flops, I jolted away. I ran as fast as I could because I was so upset my dad was returning something soo near and dear to me. Of course, being a five-year-old kid I ran into the signature hiding spot, in the middle of a clothing rack. My poor father alone would never be able to find me in such a big store.
Fortunately, he knew that and both him and the clerk went looking for me. When both couldn’t find me the store went on lockdown. No one was allowed in or out until someone found me. They tried everything to get me to come out of hiding such as announcing my name over the intercom but when that didn’t work the police got involved. When they didn’t find me they had to officially call an amber alert. I had my dad, all of the target staff, and policemen looking for me.
But then my dad saw something, sticking out from the clothing rack. It had sparkles and looked like a small shoe. He moved the clothes around and then he found me. I could see he was on the verge of crying because he was so scared. He hugged me and told me how worried I made him but I honestly think he was just worried about how mad my mom was going to be if he lost her only daughter.
While at deep River we had tons of fun but me being a five-year-old kid who basically idolized her mother, had fun until I realized I couldn’t have fun without my mom. Once I realized this I told my dad I was ready to go home. But before we could go home, my dad needed to return one of the goggles and a few things we didn’t end up using.
We went back to Target and met with the clerk to return all of our unused stuff. But then I saw them. They were the most beautiful flip flops I had ever seen. I felt like I couldn’t live without them. When my dad handed the goggles to the clerk and said I couldn’t get the flip flops, I jolted away. I ran as fast as I could because I was so upset my dad was returning something soo near and dear to me. Of course, being a five-year-old kid I ran into the signature hiding spot, in the middle of a clothing rack. My poor father alone would never be able to find me in such a big store.
Fortunately, he knew that and both him and the clerk went looking for me. When both couldn’t find me the store went on lockdown. No one was allowed in or out until someone found me. They tried everything to get me to come out of hiding such as announcing my name over the intercom but when that didn’t work the police got involved. When they didn’t find me they had to officially call an amber alert. I had my dad, all of the target staff, and policemen looking for me.
But then my dad saw something, sticking out from the clothing rack. It had sparkles and looked like a small shoe. He moved the clothes around and then he found me. I could see he was on the verge of crying because he was so scared. He hugged me and told me how worried I made him but I honestly think he was just worried about how mad my mom was going to be if he lost her only daughter.
I know this isn't the main part of the story but I also live in Crown Point sometimes and the part of the story in the water park resonated within me even though I've only been there once. Also, I think that's so interesting your 5 year old self hid for so long and with so much resilience before being found. What I want to know is did he buy you the flip flops?
ReplyDeleteI remember doing this as a child but on a much larger scale. If 5 year old Reed had this much determination to hide it makes sense why you are so determined in everything you do. I'm writing this comment on the day of Swim State so I hope everything is going well and good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with how much you wanted those flip flops. I've definitely seen lots of little kids having an amazing time doing something until they realize that they are missing the thing that they think they need in order to have fun, in this case your mom. It's interesting how big a deal certain things are to a five year old.
ReplyDeleteI've played hide and seek in retail stores for fun and to be honest it's pretty hard to find someone since stores are gigantic. 5 year old Reed could probably whoop anybody in Target hide n seek though. Getting an Amber Alert on you during hide n seek is peak level.
ReplyDelete