Random With Abandon

(I am visiting my long-distance boyfriend. I have been telling him stories about how often complete strangers start bizarre conversations with me, and he’s joking about how this only happens to me. We stop by one of the mall vendors to buy some nuts.)

Cashier: “That’ll be [price].”

Me: “Thanks.”

(I take the snacks and we’re about to go, when…)

Cashier: “They’re playing The Dark Knight Rises at the theater.”

Me: “Yeah? I’ve heard it’s good.”

Cashier: “Yeah. But it was delayed for awhile, because of the shooting.”

Me: “Oh, yeah. That was sad.”

(We’re about to go again, when…)

Cashier: “So how do you feel about gun control?”

(My boyfriend looks at me, startled.)

Me: “Oh, it’s a controversial subject.”

Cashier: “Oh, I know! I think sometimes we should have more laws, but then I think, well, I want to protect my freedom!”

Me: “Well, I think we’re going to get going. Thanks for the snacks.”

(We finally manage to leave. Boyfriend looks at me in confusion when we get outside.)

Me: “And that is the kind of thing happens to me ALL THE TIME!”