In 2000, after living on my own in various boroughs of New York City for several years, I got a boost in my career as a newspaper reporter and moved to Schenectady, NY, which is a hop, skip and a jump north of the state capital, Albany.
Though I’d been living independently for more than five years, I’d never been so far from my parents. Now I was really “going it alone.”
That meant that household chores and repairs which I’d once left to Mom or Dad were mine to manage. Chief among them, was grocery shopping.
I was well equipped physically to take on this task germane to running a household – I had money and a car – but mentally/emotionally, I’m not sure I was ready. You be the judge….One day, after having purchased my food and sundries for the week, I was in the store parking lot when I saw two boys, each around 17 years old, walking in my direction and talking.
I couldn't make out exactly what they were saying, but as they got closer, the salient point of the conversation became clear. One said to the other, “… and I’ll take her cart.”
My big-city living reflexes kicked into high gear. Holy cow! These kids were going to steal my groceries in broad daylight and what’s more, they were being totally blasé about discussing their crime!
I was furious and terrified at the same time. So, mustering every ounce of courage I had, I crossed my arms over my chest and, eyes flashing fire and ice, took a step towards them. In my hardest, most fear-inducing tone of voice, I said, “Can I help you?”It took a moment for my challenge-cum-threat veiled as a question to register, but when it did, one of the young men said, “No Ma’am, thank you. We’re here to help you. After you've unloaded your bags, we’ll take your cart back to the store for someone else to use.”
After breathing a sigh of relief, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Talk about putting the cart before the horse!
Written for The Writers’ Post weekly blog hop # 12. Theme: Use the word “salient” along with the photo entitled, “Fire and Ice."
