The clerk was older, probably mid-fifties but the layout was perfect as the shoe section opened up to the mall corridor so I could sit on a bench and watch. Lisa entered the store and was quickly approached by the clerk. After chatting about various styles, the clerk left to go get her size and had Lisa sit on a chair. He returned shortly with several kinds of zip up boots and sat on a low stool directly in front of her.

Lisa had kicked off her sandals leaving her feet ready and had her legs spread a little more than normal but not overtly noticeable. The clerk took a...