L.L. Bean Classic

It’s a faded red sweater, with discreet white snowflakes. Not too showy, just subtly Christmassy. An L.L Bean classic. In essence, perfect for a middle-aged school-teaching woman. Yet something about it grates on most everyone. It’s not the person inside of it. It’s not the knowledge that it has mucked out one too many cow stalls. It’s not the quality, brand, or color. This sweater is offensive purely for its persistence; it’s worn beyond the Christmas season. Beyond winter and into spring. It’s tied around her waist as the early summer sun beats down. And no one knows why.