Mom: http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/coats/Searle
The goosedown ones are still expensive but what better way to spend some of that money you must be earning with those long hours you’re putting in. The memory of shivering on NYC street corners when I was your age still sears. It sickens me to think of you in this weather in that little tweed coat. Act now before they disappear. xx Mom

Me: I’m not making overtime. I’m wearing my green down jacket from high school.

Mom: It’s not long enough. It doesn’t cover your bum. I have the red one Maisie got in junior high for her ski trip. Would you be willing to wear it? What about my mink-lined raincoat? You could belt it.

Me: Um…no. Anyway, my butt isn’t cold. It’s my face that’s the problem.

Mom: Okay, so freeze. What about one of those ski masks for robbing banks, with just holes for the eyes, nose and mouth? I could pick one up at Jiminy Peak.