If I Can't Reach It, I Won't Buy It

I was on a mission to get my mother some books for Mother's Day in a book store that I have visited plenty of times since moving here to NYC.

I was just about to ascend the ladder to these high-reaching books when I saw the sticker on the side that read: FOR EMPLOYEE USE ONLY.

My first reaction was: Since when?

My second was: Oops.

I'm guessing it had always said that, I had just never noticed. This new-found knowledge of mine made me feel a little...awkward. What was I supposed to do?

Okay, I'll admit. I was there seeking out particular books for my mother but I was also browsing for myself. How could I not? It's a book store. I wasn't hesitant when it came to hiding myself in between shelves and darting up a ladder to receive my present books. No, it was when I wanted to browse books I could not see up high that I was reluctant to stand idle.

For the record, I do not like heights. So, I could easily just go around prodding the staff and ask them to PLEASE HELP THE SHORT PERSON but I just don't want to do that. Particularly when I don't know what I'm searching for. Craning my head to look up at selections that have been placed at Hagrid's height just sucks. I'd rather risk the ladder.

So, I decided if anyone caught me out (not that anyone has bothered me about it before when I was oblivious and not subtle) and asked me if I knew what the sticker on the side of the ladder meant, I would say: For Naughty People Only?

I departed the store, after I tortured the cashier with a major part of my purchase being made in quarters (she was very good spirited about it) with the books I wanted. At least, the ones I knew of. I keep wondering about the Hagrid Height books. Next time, should I just go for it?