An Often-Told Pony Tale

I’m standing in an aisle in a supermarket trying to find a particular cleaning product. I’m wearing my work uniform — a blue paint-splattered workman’s shirt with a hot pink logo and paint-splattered blue jeans. Staff wears red polo shirts, black pants, and yellow hi-vis vests.

Elderly Man: “Excuse me, do you know where I can find magazines?”

Me: “I’m sorry, I don’t work here. There’s a lady behind you who does; she might be able to help.”

Elderly Man: “Oh, thank you! Ma’am, can you tell me where the magazines are?”

To my horror, I realise the tall person with the long ponytail standing behind the elderly man is actually a young man.

Young Man: “Aisle six, at the end.”

Me: “I am so, so sorry. I just saw your ponytail and assumed!”

Young Man: “That’s fine; it happens.”

Elderly Man: “I found my magazines!”

He walked away holding a can of beans and a birthday card.