I was looking at the swimsuits neatly displayed, pondering about a “scuba diving” kind of suit as an option to those miserably inadequate square cm of elastic fabric.

Two women in their sixties were prattling in the dressing room area. One is inside, the other waiting outside, and talking.

The one inside (a), talking to the lady outside (b) in one of the local languages, typical of Abruzzo:

(a) —”All right. The panties don’t go beyond the knees, the bra stops at the elbows. Which f***ing size did you give to me?!”

(b) —”You asked for the fifth, that’s what I gave you!”

The one inside, pushed aside the curtain and, in full display, told her friend:

(a) —“Look at me, now tell me if this is a size fifth!?”

(b) —“What !?!”

A very young shop assistant (c) following the ladies turns around and says (a bit too loud):

(c) —”But ma’am, it doesn’t look bad on you…” here comes the commercial fiasco: —“if anything it highlights your curvy shape!”.

The lady from the dressing room:
—”Miss, with this “fifth” I could blow my nose, that is if I find the underwear stuck in my flesh!” … Being self-aware!

The shop assistant didn’t sell anything, obviously.

Watch you mouth! A container of thoughts, ruminations, meditations… by Paola De Pillo
Illustration by Chiara Puddu