Spluttering Excuses

It is before masks are a norm. A man asks for some help with a dog collar so I walk over, keeping a two-meter distance. The man steps closer, so I step back. He comes closer, I go back. This continues the whole time discussing the collars.

Me: “Excuse me, sir, I am just maintaining a safe distance as per health guidelines.”

He ignores me.

He finally chooses a collar when standing no closer than a few inches from me. He coughs, splutters all over my face, and there are bits of mucus now in my hair. I leave the store and walk out as my manager watches in horror.

I wash my face in the public toilets nearby. I have never been so angry in my life.