One time today I went to the ladies' room at work, and a tall, rawboned woman stood at the lavatory cleaning herself. She looked homeless, and it was a bit of a shock for me to see her there, as the restrooms at work have coded door locks and are for employees and clients only. Uncomfortable, I scampered to a stall instead of greeting her cheerfully as I usually do when I see someone there.
"This is the women's, you know?" she said.
"Yes, I know," I replied from the stall. "That's why I'm here."
She passed by, grabbed her bags from the handicapped stall, and said, "If I see you in here again, I'm gonna get a summons on you." And she left.
It's not a big deal, but I felt a little uncomfortable, wondering what's going on with her. I was thinking about it on my way home when I saw my neighbor biking ahead of me. I sped up and caught her, and we chatted as we pedaled along. She asked me about my day, and I told her about this woman.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Seda," she said, sympathy in her voice.
I felt a little annoyed, mixed with gratitude for her support. "That's not the response I wanted," I thought, but I didn't really know what response I did want. Maybe I didn't want any. Maybe I just wanted to share.
We stopped in front of my house and chatted some more, until Kristin came out, late for her music lesson. I rushed in then, and didn't say much beyond the necessary kid-hand-off info-share until she sat for one last pee before leaving. Since she was immobilized, I told her about the woman, too.
She laughed.
It was perfect. I cracked up, too, and I knew that was the response I wanted!
Laughter is the best medicine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the add on your blogroll. I didn't know how to do that until today and I figured it out, not that it was that hard.
So you ride a bike to work? That is pretty cool. My brother does that I am kind of jealous. Would be much better than a twenty minute car ride.
haha...
ReplyDeleteI started laughing at "lavatory"... I didn't know people actually used that word anymore... Of course, I was just laughing at you, so...
...that must count for something?
I kid. I kid.
All jokes about your wording aside, it's still pretty interesting how complete strangers can get their panties in a wad over someone they don't even know.
And, now I'm about to sound lame because I think you've told me this, but I forgot, but what it is that you do? Your work I mean?