Toon It Up: Radical Quack (Preview)

Of all things, it was a fanny pack, and a rather weird one at that. It was bright yellow with an even brighter neon orange strap. There were random blue and green shapes all over the pack, making for a very retro, familiar style. Perhaps it was Memphis Design? Mandy wasn't too sure, other than knowing it was way older than her.

It was unbelievably gaudy whatever the case. It looked like a relic from a bygone era that her parents lived through. It felt almost nostalgic in a way despite her never living through the times. Maybe it was because she watched her parents’ old DVDs of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air over and over again growing up.

Curious still, she picked it up. It was rather bulgy, stuffed to the brim with something inside it. She didn't know what but it was both thick and soft.

Also, it was warm. Maybe it was because of the sun, but the pack felt warm.

Wonder what this is about? Mandy flipped it over and over, studying its sides and forgetting briefly about wanting to leave moments ago.

“Oh, I see that caught your attention, dudette~.” Mandy flinched. It was the older woman who was running the rummage sale, the only other person there. She looked a little like Mandy's own mom with her glasses, shorter haircut, and age lines. Though she was definitely faster than her mom, since she swore the lady was sitting down inside the garage only moments ago.

Quick… she thought before answering her. “Oh… yeah. I guess?”

The lady softly chuckled. “Heh, sorry. Sometimes I slip back into old slang from my younger days when I see that.” She nodded at the fanny pack Mandy held.

I'm not sure if dudette is actually that dated, Mandy thought. Ultimately, she decided not to comment on it since she wasn't sure herself. “It's okay. I just saw this and thought…”

“It was old?” finished the lady with a small smile. “That's understandable. It is old.” She sighed, a look of nostalgia in her eyes as she stared briefly into the distance. Perhaps she was remembering the days long before Mandy's time. “That fanny pack really helped me enjoy the 90’s a lot. It made me feel close to the time and the people back then.”

How does something like this do that? Mandy looked at the pack she was holding incredulously and again, kept her thoughts to herself.

The woman looked at the young lady. “You know, I think it might do you some good as well. It might bring you the fun energy the world is missing nowadays.”

Can't argue with some of that. Between her classes and part time job, Mandy was certainly lacking for energy these days. However, she wasn't sure about the rest of the lady's comment and the tone in which she said it.

“Well, I don't think I really want it anyway. It's just a fanny pack.” She said that all without really thinking about it, starting to put the item back down. “I should probably get going now. My roomie is-”

“Of course, of course!” the lady said, nodding without seeming to fully take in what she said, “But before you do, why not try it on anyway? It might fit you well!”

“I really don't think this would work for me,” Mandy slowly said, while thinking, for one thing, this totally clashes with my style and look.

“Give it a shot and if you don't like it, why not take a shirt or two! On the house.” Mandy paused at that. None of the clothing was her style or would fit her, that she already knew from looking around. However, perhaps there was something she could get Sarah or something that would work to at least lounge around the apartment in.

Plus, free was free. Saving a few bucks was always a good thing.

“Well, okay.” Mandy half-heartedly shrugged. She placed the fanny pack on, having the pack face front. She snapped it into place and tightened it, making sure it fit snugly on.

She stood there a moment, looking down at the pack and then up at the lady. Even wearing it, it still didn't do a thing for her. “Sorry, I'm not really feeling it. I'll just-”

Mandy quieted down. There was a rumble and not one from her phone. She looked down and flinched. The fanny pack was quaking, jittering as if it was an earthquake.

“What the…” Mandy looked up, a cold shiver going down her spine. The woman was now standing a few feet away from her. “Wait! What's happen-”

The pack suddenly unzipped itself. A bright, warm light came shining up from it, blasting her in the eyes. It reminded her of the time she was driving home at night when some oncoming truck hit her with the high beams. She nearly stumbled back, supported by the table.

Mandy began to quiver as the strangest things began to happen. Smells Like Teen Spirit blared out of the pack, SNES blips and beeps lowly mixed in with it.  Her nose twitched, picking up the scent of freshly made Bagel Bites, while the taste of them lingered on her mouth.

All of it was so strange, but yet familiar and inviting from a time long passed.