"iPhone 4"

 

            In the early spring of 2020, I dropped by our local Sprint store to eyeball new phones with the idea of replacing my phone as a Christmas gift from my husband and son. We budget for high dollar purchases, and although Christmas was ten months away, it would take us that long to put aside a chunk of money for something new and fancy!

            “How can I help you?” The young salesman honed onto us the moment we crossed the threshold.

            “I need to look at new phones to get an idea of prices.”

            “Let me get your information, and we’ll see if you’re eligible for a new phone under your plan.”

            I snickered. My son rolled his eyes. We love watching the response of clerks when they check our information.

            “You want to replace--- an iPhone 4?” The other two phones on our account are relatively new.

            “Yes.”

            “A 4?”

            “Yep.”

            “Do you have it with you?”

            I pull the phone out of my purse pocket.

            “Does it work?” A little incredulity enters his voice.

            “Of course.”

            Awe and wonder enter his eyes. “Can I hold it?”

            I hand him my phone.

            “Claire!” he calls out to one of his coworkers. “Look at this! An iPhone 4 that’s still working!”

            “Are you serious? Let me hold it!”

            My jaw dropped as the two passed my phone back and forth, discussing the novelty of its smaller size and reduced capacity along with the wonder that it still held a charge. Unknowingly, I’d brought in an artifact that delighted these two, very young employees.

            While they delighted over my museum piece, I checked out the newest phones available and tried not to pass out over the prices. I mumbled to myself repeatedly, “It’s not just a phone. It’s a computer. You’re buying a computer that lets you talk to people. It’s a computer more than a phone.”

            I narrowed down the possible phone to replace my artifact, made certain my son knew which one would best suit my needs, and returned to the counter to collect my phone as it had traveled to the back of the store for more personnel’s amazed admiration.

            “Did you decide on a new phone?” our first clerk asked.

            “Yes. It’s for a gift. For later. Someone will be back.” I held out my hand to retrieve my phone. The young man seemed reluctant to let the old thing go. “Thanks for your help.”

            “No! Thank you! We’ll be talking about this all day!”

 

Copyright 2021 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman