Part 2: Services Rendered - Section I

My first attempt to place an order was made in early April of 2021. I can't recall the exact date, as the original email is lost. I do know it was in April, as I was encouraged to finally place an order to Squeak Latex on receiving my tax returns. (I couldn't fathom a better way to squander them.) I knew from Oz's reopening announcement on Fur Affinity that the "ball park" estimate for a full suit was between $1,600 and $2,000. In addition to the Big Blowup Suit, I was interested in the hood (the "Inflatable Hood", as it's simply called), who's design I considered classic, attractive, closely associated to Oz's "plain" inflatable suits. Cute even, compared to my first abominable hood. Not knowing if this first order would be my last, I accordingly set aside an adequate budget, to take full advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I sent two identical requests; one via email, and one directly through the Squeak Latex website. I waited patiently to begin the order process upon Oz's reply. Yet after days; no response. After three weeks, it was obvious that there would be none. I assumed Oz was too busy with present orders, that he was not accepting any others at that time. I took care not to send any further requests immediately. I feared Oz was the sort whom is particular of who he sells to. I didn't want to risk irritating him by spamming his in-box. I felt confident in Oz's new pledge of diligence; that if he needed my business at this time, I would not have to ask twice. I decided to wait, but was very disappointed not to starting the process sooner, as I knew these suits are not built in a day.

On the 10th of September, 2021, I sent this second email "which was identical to my first", to "Info@SqueakLatex.com"...

Yet again, days passed without a reply. Perhaps Oz was still swamped with orders and I was too late. I should have jumped on the opportunity the moment he reopened his doors "I thought to myself ". I should never have bought that ball suit and waisted my money. I even got the idea that he was purposefully ignoring me. I thought he might not reply if he doesn't recognize one's name. That he only sells to people who are active in the community, and would show off his product. A full week had passed when I was checking my emails one night. By then, I had already given up again, and was never expecting anything. So, I was shocked to find this at the top of my inbox...

I was exited to have grabbed someone's attention. Though that "someone", I found very curious. The individual who assisted me throughout the entire process used a name which I was not familiar with. I know of "Oz", "blowupboy", even "Duke". Yet at no time had I ever known this name "originally affixed to the emails", to be associated with Squeak Latex. It was only afterward that I learned that Oz was using his real name to sign his emails with me. I make this known to explain the edits you see to the captures. I am pasting the name "Oz" over it. Not because the gentleman's true name is a well guarded secret, but for continuity's sake. I'll always know him best as "Oz", as do most others, so let there be no mistake of who this really is.

I made the decision before my response to keep the entire transaction professional. Regardless of who I thought I was speaking with, I forbid myself to say or ask anything which did not apply to my order.

I had to confirm exactly what I wanted with screenshot images, due to the inconvenience of the current Squeak Latex website. It really is a downgrade from the former, as it dose not even list the names of the items. I could not even recall the exact name of my favorite suit, as it admittedly does have a catchall, unimaginative name in the first place. The screenshots worked perfectly, and Oz was quick to reply...

The price at the time was tolerable, if I could take some advantage of additional service. I replied the next day, making clear my thoughts and desires...

Of course, I was asking him to reconstruct the suit from his video; the variation I by now had idolized for years (except for a matching hood). I replied sooner that day than Oz had responded the previous. I checked for a reply constantly, but waited days for a reply. I thought all had been going well; that me and Oz would have completed the ordering process within that same Monday. I began to wonder what was wrong on Oz's end, that he would drop the conversation so suddenly, at this early stage. After six days, I did not yet want to send a second email, but I was becoming restless. On the 26th, I turned to his social media for an explanation, and found this on Squeak Latex's twitter, posted the previous day...

Though taunting to find, it did give some possible explanation; that Oz was busy receiving a shipment and testing the product. The wording of the post did make me a little nervous; giving me the impression that my order was too simple, and not the more unique, custom production Oz prefers.

At the time, I possessed a twitter account called "Senecio". I left a comment on the above post, voicing my problem. It wasn't much; something to the effect of this...

"I tried placing an order, but haven't gotten a response."

I don't have a screen shot of it. I deleted the comment in good faith, after Oz responded to it. I only wanted to get his attention, and I knew this would do the trick. Oz was quick to reply, but not to the comment on the post. He sent a direct message instead. Unfortunately, I can neither retrieve his message, because my twitter account has since been terminated; locked when I signed in on a different device, then suspended after I filed an appeal. I never posted anything to that account, so I can only guess twitter took exception to the posts I was favoriting. Since I have no evidence to back this claim, you may believe it or not.

The contents of the DM where very brief. It only consisted of Oz's single response to my complaint. I do remember very well what he said, as I found it rather suspicious...

"What day did you send it? We operate between Monday-Friday. It might have been overlooked."

Now, I'd like to point out; if you have been paying attention to the dates of emails received, you will note that Oz had only ever responded to me on Saturday and Sunday. While alarming to have caught him in a lie, I did not call him out for it. I still wanted to reestablish communication and proceed with the order. Also, after giving it some thought, I couldn't justly fault Oz for such a slip. Actually, it was very nice to know he had put aside his weekend to commence an order for me. That's admirable work ethic... So why now this delay?

I did not reply to Oz on Twitter. Instead, I went ahead and sent a second email, under the assumption that he would now be looking out for it. I did not specifically address "Oz " as I had been. That the response I received on Twitter was so detached from our correspondence via email, I wondered if it was even him. Perhaps "I thought", Squeak Latex was no longer a one man operation, and Oz employed someone to handle communication. Perhaps his partner Mozee helps run some parts of the business, and that's who answered me on twitter. I really couldn't be sure, so I replied accordingly...

"Slow to reply " was me waiting until the next evening to send this message. That was not an attempt at sarcasm. It was me being far too accommodating. I still wanted the suit, and so was willing to exercise as much patience as I was capable. Also, reviewing other posts on the company's Twitter, I found this advisement which offered another possible explanation...

I was expecting a reply immediately but, again, days passed without a word...

I know that ownership of a small business like Squeak Latex is no sinecure; that I could be one of 80 people enquiring a day. I respect the fact that it's a lot "on top of other tasks", for one person to undertake. However, if Oz can't handle my order, why entertain it in the first place? I did take into account his explanations, both privet and public. I tried to excuse him, but after reaching out to him on twitter, I was offended that Oz still failed to reply. After three more days of silence, I could stand the frustration no longer, and offered Oz what effectively amounted to an ultimatum...

If AvWuff is reading this, I imagine he's rolling his eyes at me at this point. Fair enough, but I was bound by a lifelong desire which trumped any sensibility at this late stage. I was past the point of no return. Nevertheless, after this revolution's worth of red flags, my apprehension to conduct business with this man is not to be understated; to give so much money to someone so incompetent. Has Oz ever bothered to imagine himself, from his own client's perspective, what fear and discomfort his carelessness alone instills?

For the sake of taking this necessary risk, I did not present myself as someone hostel or impatient, to whom Oz would more likely refuse service. I did my best to convey the reality that I was an amiable person with a simple request; an ideal client, who's business it would be a shame for Oz to lose "if he could use it". Sure enough, Oz was listening all along, and replied six hours later...

I was grateful for his honesty and apology, but found his disclaimer disappointing; on over inflating my suit. considering the downgrade this obviously was. Squeak's previous website used to expressly advertise; "Want a higher pressure? Go thick. Want to balloon up bigger? Go Thin.". Moreover; Oz had made several demonstrations in the past, that his suits could expand well beyond their original shape. I suppose Oz might have feared I had it in my mind, like an idiot, to burst out of my own house with one of his suits. My exact intention was to add "at most", another two feet to the suit's waist circumference. If the seems couldn't hold up to that, than Oz has no business criticizing his competitors. Within reason, any latex garment should be able to stretch (even at the seems), without taring. Whether it be a catsuit treated as a second skin, or an inflatable suit treated as a wearable balloon. It's not a question of quality but a matter of principle. If a latex garment can't even take advantage of the material's most prized attribute (being remarkably stretchy), than what's the point?

Though I hadn't directly questioned him on the matter, I did press Oz regarding the level of quality. I just wonder if this was the dilemma to repel him. I said I was a long-time fan, looking for the quality he had boasted over the years, so Oz probably felt abashed to tell me I had come to the wrong place. I understand inquiries like that suck for him; that Oz embellished to attracted business, and now it's coming back to haunt him. But, that's just retail; it's Hell on Earth, where the employees are the damned, and the customers are the demons "who think themselves angels". If Oz can't handle it; if it's so embarrassing for him to confess, then he should sell something better, or nothing at all. I wasn't even trying to pry. Such information is necessary if I wish to better preserve the suit. For such a high price, I certainty plan to take care of it.

Though not what I was hoping to hear, I ultimately took it as quality advice. Being a little wiser than I once was on the topic of latex, I wouldn't push a suit so far anyway, for the fear of warping the material. In making my final dissension, I hoped that Oz had at least some dignity about him, as a suit maker; that, no matter how lacking the quality may be, he would not let a suit go if it was not good enough for his own personal use. I went ahead, and placed the order...

I let my uplifted spirit do the writing for me. In so good a mood was I at that moment, I complemented Oz on my favorite design of his. It was a little pedantic, but not to sound like a "know-it-all". Especially not to an expert like Oz. I only tried to explain why it was my favorite suit, as concisely as possible, that it be brief, but sincere. My genuine thoughts and feelings, which I had always wanted to tell him.

I don't think it worked as I'd hoped. Looking back, it feels as though I was trying to tell Oz that I was not choosing the Big Blowup Suit because I absolutely love his design of it, but rather, because such a fail-safe design would compensate for the poor quality.

Oh well, Oz's reply came swiftly anyway...

It was great to see my order underway, and in a timely manner. I was a little disappointed that Oz didn't acknowledge my complement. I don't think I broke my own rule of keeping our correspondence professional in doing that. Perhaps it is something he's heard a million times, and it dose get old. Yet I did wondered; how often on this particular suit? It made me a little sad to imagine that Oz wasn't fond of his own design, as I was. It also renewed the concern that my order was too simple, and not the exiting challenge Oz cares for.

I referred to the PayPal address Oz provided and duly sent the payment in full (including a message "For the red suit and hood", for confirmation). I then sent the email Oz had requested; that my payment was made...

That strange name had turned up again "this time in full"; attached to the PayPal account. I was expecting the account to bear the same name as the company. It concerned me slightly, where I might have just sent all that money. Again, silly of me, I didn't know "at the time", it was Oz's true name, and I had nothing to worry about. However, though notifying him that I had payed his price —within the same hour, no less— Oz did not respond that day, and refused me the comfort of assurance that my payment had reached him successfully. When he failed to respond immediately, I sent him a second email three hours later...

This was the largest sum of money I had ever spent for pleasure, and I couldn't be sure if Oz had even received it, let alone if he was trying to cheat me, as he did to AvWuff. Now is that not the nightmare to kill someone in their sleep? Perhaps I'm unsavvy, that I don't make such large transactions often, but I think my fear was justified. Also, what Oz doesn't consider is how cruel his laziness and carelessness can be to his clients...

I remember that day was a special occasion. I went out for dinner with my family, later that evening. I didn't enjoy it. I sat there worrying the whole time, fearful that my payment had somehow been redirected to some random account, stolen, or perhaps lost in cyber space. Because Oz doesn't want to reciprocate my diligence, to check his account and just let me know he's got my money as soon as I've sent it, I guess my discomfort that day is all part of the Squeak Latex experience.

I resolved then to not let Oz take his sweet time on this matter. I was prepared to start hounding him at least once a day, until I knew what happened to my money. Thankfully, I never had to. I checked the next day and saw this...

This was a great relief. It was done; I did not yet possess the Big Blowup Suit, but at least I could say I technically owned it. Considering the high-end price I was paying for this service "and that Oz almost always asked", I took advantage of a little more consultation, to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted...

Regarding my second point, I was referring to this post on his company's twitter...

I thought the placement of the zipper looked unsightly and difficult to enter. Also compromising to the integrity of the suit.

Regarding my first point, I found the order process rather lacking, once it had been apparently completed. In the past, all Squeak Latex suits "to my recollection", were made to order with custom fitting. I had my own personal measurements recorded in anticipation of Oz's request of them. I was surprised when he didn't, so was curious if such is even still part of the process. Oz's reply this day was timely, despite the less pressing matter...

Besides assuring me of the zipper, Oz was also nice enough to advise me about the valve placement, which I had not considered. Though, what he told me was acceptable. Still, Oz said nothing to answer my first question, but that in itself was my answer. My suit would not be made to my measurements... My $1,500 suit... I was hoping to woo Oz with an easy, lucrative "off the rack" sale, yes. However, this was a little less bespoke than I would have preferred. I wasn't worried about a "skin-tight" fit from the inner lining of the suit. That's not really preferable for an inflatable suit anyway. A loose "one size fits all" scheme on the inside makes dawning the suit much easier.

I was worried though about sizing; that some parts of the suit would be too long or too short on me. In particular, I have short arms. Nothing noticeable, but definitely below average. I can never try on luxury clothing, "such as a suit jacket" off the rack, without my hands receding into the sleeves. If there was going to be a problem with any part of my suit, I thought for sure it would be the length of the sleeves. It was disappointing that Oz had stopped taking measurements as, again, even my eBay suit came with the option of custom fitting. Though, I wasn't worried enough to press any further; reasoning that a baggy rubber suit could only fit so inappropriately. I accepted the order as it stood and thanked Oz for all his help thus far...

I knew that was the last time I would speak with Oz before my suit was running late. And I KNEW, at that time, that I would not possibly get my suit within 18 weeks. I decided that day to be fair and not send the progress request until two weeks after the first 18 had passed. From the day the order was placed (October the 1st), that would set my deadline as February 18th of next year, before I should take any action. Of course, I always expected, and would forgive a delay; taking the pandemic of the time and it's general effects into consideration.

I was also reassured later on by a helpful source...

On YouTube, there was a gentleman of the furry community, named "Zaros", who is also a fan and participant of inflatable suits. I regard him as one of the better examples of the community's most delightful quality. Though small on it's own, inflation is a prominent, diverse center. A great pool of talent and ideas where many other communities "overlap" (as the average deadpan, callous psychoanalyst would try to explain of us). Though, I prefer the more human term "come together". At the time, Zaros produced humorous, light-hearted skits which revolved around that same theme. He would sample a wide variety of inflatable suits; showcase different makers, styles and materials. His videos where a great resource for a potential buyer, such as myself. I referred to his "Squeak Latex Unboxing" video several times before I made my decision. Zaros even disclosed the exact price of his suit in a comment "to someone who asked", which turned out to be the most accurate estimate of what I would later pay for something similar.

Back at the start of April in 2021, when I had made my first "unsuccessful" request to place an order, I turned to the unboxing video with curiosity for Zaros's own experience; the little details he might be omitting. I wondered if he experienced any similar trouble. In the comments section, near the top, there was the comment from someone asking about the price, to which Zaros had replyed; "$1750". To that particular comment of his, I replyed with my own question.

Sadly, the unboxing video is no longer available. However, I was still able to recover my question from my Google account's history...

Predictably, Zaros never responded. Understandable, as at the time, Zaros's following on YouTube alone was large enough that he might not have been able to communicate personally with every single subscriber, asking about his suits. I could give him the benefit of doubt, that he might never have even seen it. Yet I also knew of the stigma in the community, to challenge or question Squeak Latex. Anything Zaros didn't mention in his video was likely something he didn't want to talk about anyway, for fear of "backlash". I also supposed Zaros hadn't much to say anyway; that his experience was probably perfect. If I where Oz, I would favored those clients who have a visible presence on the internet. I know that's not fair, but it is good business.

I viewed the unboxing video one last time in early February of 2022 (again, for some sort of reassurance). By that time, my own Squeak suit was beginning to run late "as I predicted". It was only then that I took heed of Zaros' remarks that he too experienced delays. Even he could not avoid them. Surprising to me, as I had never noticed this point before. It was only after I placed my order with Squeak Latex that I began paying proper attention. I must have been blinded by desire. Still, delays where apparently normal, so I had little to fear.

When the 11th of February came, and my suit was officially one week late, I maintained my pledge to wait another week before taking action. Though after sleeping on it, I reasoned that 18 weeks had been the absolute limit; the deadline for my suit to be complete, shipped and in my hands. So, I decided to ask Oz a little early, how much longer I should be prepared to wait...

Though I indirectly referenced Zaros in this message, I have no doubt Oz knew exactly who I was referring to. I was careful to exercise patience in this email. There was no need nor desire to express dissatisfaction which no Oz wouldn't care to open and find. My tactic was to present myself cordial, simply that Oz would be encouraged to respond. Yet it didn't matter how gracious an email I could possibly produce, for my timing could not have been any worse. I sent this message in the morning hours of February 15. That same afternoon, Oz posted this...

Around this time, Google took further steps in it's ongoing effort to castrate YouTube, that it favor business and profit, over art and entertainment. For the sake of advertisement, most channels, perceived unsuitable for a toddler, are destroyed if discovered. Surprisingly, Google did not execute this particular purge indiscriminately. In this most recent mad dash to render YouTube worse than broadcast television, moderation flagrantly targeted and stamped out major inflation outlets; particularly furry inflation. Oz revealed that his personal YouTube channel had been terminated some months prior, before the final decision was passed, that his cherished memories be given no stay of execution. Despite this, his company and "blowupboy" channels remain up at this time.

I discovered the post on FurAffinity the next day. While I first and foremost sympathized with an artist who I have admired for many years, I was still acutely aware of the setback this would be to my order. It tied my hands. I knew Oz would not be responding to my or any other client's message any time soon. Yet, I refused to send another message before him, as I was not unfeeling towards his bitter defeat. I don't doubt he was in great emotional pain over the loss of his memories. I could only wait for Oz to recover and let him be the next to respond. For me, this was perfectly acceptable. I had other business to deal with...

(Please forgive me, dear reader, for the following brief digression. A separate, though parallel order I had placed beforehand. I believe it's important to mention here, as it's outcome had significant bearing on my subsequent interactions with Oz...)

On Etsy, there was another order, for another suit, which was outstanding at the time. Expanding in my interests, and eager to try something new, I had previously commissioned (what was advertised as), an "oversized and overfilled down suit" (a snow suit). I found the best possible option to satisfy that desire. A suit which unapologetically exaggerates those puffy, pillowy characteristics of a normal down suit. All made by hand, with custom fitting.

This is what the suit was to look like "though mine would have been a different color"...

Impressive, no?

Like Oz, the person who designed and builds these suits is a brilliant craftsman and spectacular artist. Absolutely spectacular. Unfortunately "like Oz as well", business with him entailed some problems.

I had placed the order for it after Christmas of 2022. I took advantage of a "New Years' sale" ($325 off the $1,300 average price), which the seller was offering at the time. Even though it was his idea "and my persuasion", I knew it was risky; that the seller was not going to be particularly motivated to complete my order for a discounted profit. Several months past the due date, the seller shut down his store on Etsy and never offered an explanation or update. I messaged him in late August of 2021. He responded and cited marriage and moving as the cause of his inactivity. I accepted this, and left him alone while I began my order with Oz. I waited another five months before messaging him again on February 1st of 2022, to express my great dissatisfaction in waiting over a year for something which should have been done in three months.

He replied in a week, extended another apology and promised me that he would drop everything to reviewed my order and finally finish the suit...

This was great news; this ordeal was apparently settled. I thanked him, and so expected to finally enjoy a warm, cozy snuggle inside this massive puffy suit, long before Oz would ever respond. Even that Oz took weeks to respond, my patience and spirits where not to be deterred. I now had something ells on my way, which would keep me occupied until Oz recovered. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, as we say in the states; "When it rains, it pours". Of the person who produces these overfilled down suits, there was one trivial detail about him which I was fully aware of from the beginning of our business together. It never concerned me, until the 24th of February, 2022...

He was based in Moscow.

On that day, the Russian Federation launched their infamous war to annex Ukraine. As part of the massive global response, all shipments of any kind, outbound and inbound of both nations, by every parcel service known to humanity, where suspended indefinitely. While I watched the tragedy escalate over days, the reality gradually dawned on me that shipment of my suit was now impossible. I sent one final, desperate message to the seller, asking if he would hold my suit for me until the situation hopefully resolved. To this day, I've gotten no response. I suppose, that the seller could have been taking advantage of the situation, and hiding behind it. Though, I personally believe my last message to him simply crashed and burned against an imperial Russian firewall; that he too could not contact me, if he wanted to. Weather he would have kept his promise to ship my suit by the 5th or not, I will never know. As it stands; $975, down the drain.

It was a bitter loss to swallow, but as the war unfolded, I could not feel so bad for myself. It's so easy to forget "from a safe distance", how fortunate one is; that my loss in this was only money. Though I personally lost more to the war than probably most average Americans, it's grotesquely self-centered to think that the present Vozhd of Russia only has a puffy snow suit to answer for. I hope to recover my losses some day, but my preeminent hope is for the people of Ukraine, that they keep their freedom, and recover sooner.

Nevertheless, I still didn't care to lose any more than I already had. Yet then came, in the wake of such improbability, speculation that The People's Republic of China might take inspiration from it's close and ethically identical ally. Predictions where made, by some, that the Communist Party of China may find it in their nation's best interest to conquer Taiwan, and finish what they started in 1949. This was of genuine concern to me at the time "and it should have been to Oz also". It was already well known to me that Squeak Latex's production lies in China. If China launched their own obscene invasion, they too would be accordingly sanctioned and shunned by the world. Oz would be cut off from his production team, and I would lose a second, more expensive, more coveted suit.

Even at the height of tension, it was unlikely. China relies so much on their export, they have more to lose in following Russia's example. I still feared losing another suit though. It had already happened once. Who could have guaranteed me it wouldn't happen again? I was left alone to ponder and fear. In the height of that fear, on March 4th, the silence was broken, sooner than I was expecting. I got a message from Oz...

I was ecstatic to get a response from Oz, as though my last hope was restored. To reiterate, I was in a very troubled, emotionally charged and excitable state at this time. My head wasn't on straight. You, dear reader, might have flinched at the sight of me, to see how crooked it really was... I was simply desperate not to lose my dream suit. By the impression which loomed over me, that time was short and I could somehow speed up the process, I cracked under the pressure, and broke my own rule of professionalism in my reply...

(A summery if you don't wish to read: I told Oz I "thought" it was him, that I knew about his YouTube deletion, and I was sorry for him, as though I could understand.)

I must admit, to look back on this message, that I am absolutely ashamed to have ever sent it. At the time, when I thought Oz must have been lacking in motivation, it occurred to me that "as his client", I had a exclusive platform with which I might speak to him more directly than most other strangers. In hindsight, it was wrong of me to turn it into his obligation to read my unwelcome, unnecessary condolences. Wrong of me in general to break etiquette. I imagine Oz was already over his YouTube dilemma if returning to work. If not, he was using work to take his mind off the problem. But there I was, bringing it back to his attention. The ultimate attempt of my message was also pointless. Even if my words did magically motivate Oz back to diligence, they where not going to get my suit the Hell out of China any sooner.

It wasn't all manipulation; I did mean what I said. I didn't care to see this "then" admirable man hurting. I'm sure that point was still lost in all the suspicion; my admission of uncertainty, if I was really speaking with Oz. I was still ambivalent to presume that by all the miscommunication in the beginning. Weather he believed I was a long time fan or not, I didn't care, but I did worry afterword how this transgression was going to effect our future interaction, and my order. I had to wait with white knuckles until Oz's next message, to find out just how badly I had shot myself in the foot.

Regardless of what followed, I am still very sorry to Oz for ever sending this message. It was a laps in sanity on my part. Though awkward nonetheless, I'm also grateful to him that he never acknowledged it, as seen in his next message, a month later...

It was great to know that my suit had made it's way safely to the states, and that Oz took no visible offence from my last message...

To my understanding, the suit would arrive before the 21st, yet that day came and went, and I hadn't even an email to confirm it had shipped. But by the 26th, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong...

Oz told me that testing of the suit was underway. I was happy to hear that, per the price I was paying. I expected proper quality control. However, the worst that could happen at this point was if Oz discovered a terrible flaw. Something so terrible as to require an overhaul. I feared I might have to wait another six months for a new suit to be produced. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Oz responded and explained "albeit 9 days later"...

(Yakow, it's funny. If someone draws him as a blueberry, Oz leaves a thankful comment right away. If someone gives him $1,800, they have to wait.)

I was satisfied by his message, Especially by the picture he provided...

I didn't give it vary careful attention at that moment. I could only rejoice at the proof that Oz did have my suit, and in one piece. By this email, I could rest assured that I would be getting something, and soon.

On the personal matter Oz used to excuse himself, I was going to omit that, but chose to leave it in that I may point out; it's a very similar excuse to the one he employed with AvWuff, back in 2016. I took note of that as soon as I saw it. However, my conclusion is that Oz was telling the truth. I personally am obligated to believe that such misfortune could befall him again, given the circumstances of the time. To validate that, and even the playing field, I'll admit that I can sympathize. By the time Oz had sent me this message, I had already lost an aunt, an uncle and a grandmother to the pandemic. Therefore, I'm inclined to believe him.

That being said, it is also my earnest hope that my sympathy has not been abused...

His next message surprised me, that it came so swiftly...

I had almost missed it, as I usually check my emails only once a day. Luckily, I caught it when I returned to marvel again at the picture of my suit. I replied as quick and briefly as I could...

I kept a close eye on my email for the rest of that day. The next day also. Early that afternoon, I received the final message...

I duly payed the $30 within the hour, then endeavored to contain my excitement until the following day. On the 7th of May, 2022 (6 months and 5 days after the order was placed), my suit, at last, arrived...