A Heartfelt Plea

(A year ago I had open heart surgery. Then in April ’15 I had surgery to fix a complication. I’m at the grocery store when the check out guy starts scanning denture cream belonging to an older woman behind me.  I’m 29 but look about 18.)

Me: “Oh, that’s not mine.”

Lady: “No, but you can have it. Not like a young thing like you needs to worry about health issues at your age. You’re too young to worry about those things.”

Me: “I’ve got plenty of health worries at my age.”

Lady: *laughing* “Yes, dear, I’m sure you do.”

(I pull down the collar of my shirt and show the top of my zipper scar. The lady’s eyes go wide and her mouth open and closes a moment.)

Lady: *indignant* “Oh, well… ah… Yes… I’ve got that, too!”