Article October 31, 2016 ISSUE

When you want something that isn't yours

Nancy Mullen

When I was about ten years old, some kids I knew began shoplifting at a big store in our town. They would come back and show off the toys and other stuff they’d stolen, and I’d practically drool. I was tempted to join them, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to do it. It wasn’t just that I was afraid of getting caught. There was more to it.

I remember sitting on the sidewalk one day after they left and having a good long think about it. What if I just went ahead and took whatever I wanted, any time I wanted? There was quite a list of things I was longing for that my parents couldn’t afford. What if I could have them all right now just by stealing? The prospect was exciting.

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