I finally reached the front of the queue. I didn’t have many groceries and would make it in time to feed the Poodle and 18 year old cat, August.
“Anything planned for today?”, asked the voice.
“Oh yes, I’m very busy.” I thought this would get me through the interrogation quicker.
“I’m having a super busy day – I’m rushed off my feet”.
He stopped packing, holding the carrots midair.
He stared at me intently, then cocked his head, while sizing me up.
The diamond in his left earlobe sparkled as he spoke.
“You CAN’T be so busy! You must look after yourself!”
I had a quick look behind me at the increasing line. How to respond? What to say to settle this clearly upset checkout chap?
“You have to look after yourself! You can’t go on like this at your age!” (carrots now slowly getting closer to my torn earth friendly brown bag).
“You must take time alone…”, head cocked to the other side, right diamond now glittering.
“Yes, I will. You are right- I Must look after myself”, I said, hoping this would do.
And finally it was cash or card and do you want your receipt.
He was still muttering to himself and shaking his head when I left.
I took the afternoon off from any tasks and applied a face mask. The therapist at checkout deserved to be obeyed.
Many Sun Spots 
Well done Jen, an excellent example of the cardinal writing rule of ‘show, don’t tell’ – you gave us so much information without actually saying it – we got the picture.
And reminded me of the classic meditation advice: try to meditate for at least an hour a day except when you are very busy, then do two hours.
xxx
LikeLike
Thank you so much.
I love that advice – two hours of meditation if you’re really busy.
Perhaps a week when in the midst of moving interstate? 🙂
LikeLike