A quick note.

It was thirty years in the future. There I am, wearing suspenders and a bright blue vest, holding a colorful circular.

"Welcome to Wal-Mart," I chirp robotically. I'm desperate to catch the eyes of people, and fail. Only children see me and they look scared.

"Aren't you something!" I'll say to one golden child, "Are you going to have fun in Wal-Mart today?"
"Where's the detergent that was advertized on sale in today's paper?" demands her mother.
"That would be in Aisle 11," I respond, straightening up.
The child begins to screech as the woman steers her cart away.

I woke in a cold sweat.