The case of the missing toenail

I lost a toenail. Well, half of one. Which I do frequently, because while there are many people who can go about their daily business without injury, I am not one of them. If it weren't still so warm out, I wouldn't mind about the nail. But I'm not ready to give up the open-toed shoes just yet.

This presented a problem. I didn't want to gross anyone out with the toe. It's the big toe, and rather conspicuous. I decided a sassy Band-Aid would be acceptable and trudged off to Duane Reade. Minutes later, clutching a small box of obnoxious Barbie Band-Aids, I made my way up to the register.

I've mentioned the lack of open registers at this particular Duane Reade, particularly during the times when people are rushing off to work or rushing home from work. The line was long. Very long. Two boys were behind me in line, chatting and whatnot. I was eavesdropping, because that's what I do. Then I heard one lean in close and whisper to the other.

Boy 1: Check out what that girl's buying

Boy 2: Band-Aids?

Boy 1: Barbie Band-Aids

Boy 2: So?

Boy 1: So…why would you wait in line for 20 minutes just to buy Barbie Band-Aids?

I was buying cigarettes, too, but they didn't know that. I can see how one might find my long wait for Barbie Band-Aids troubling. I'm sporting one today with my pink Dr. Scholls, and I'm sure the one I wear with my fancy black strappy heels and little pink polka-dotted dress at the wedding will look simply smashing.