A Farewell to Browsing

I was closing up our bookstore in the airport and heard a rattling noise up front. It was a stereotypical little old lady who had just pushed past all the rolling bookcases, spinners, which I had pulled into the store and partially blocked the aisles; she was looking at book-themed gifts, etc.

I tried to explain that it was late and I was allowed to go home, but she explained that she wanted to wait for her son here. I thought I made it clear that unless she was looking for something specific, I couldn’t help, but when I turned around, she had gone on deeper into the store and was wandering around the Romance section.

I firmly explained that my wife was expecting me, and that we had just celebrated our 44th anniversary, in part because I make sure NOT to leave her waiting around for me. This sentimental touch seemed to get through to the little old lady, and she went back out.