CONTENT WARNING: Mention Of Death
I am folding some clothes near the checkouts. A customer and her daughter, probably mid-twenties or so, are checking out some dresses.
Cashier: “Oh, hey, [Customer]!”
Customer: “Oh, [Cashier]! I forgot you worked here! How’ve you been?”
Cashier: “Getting by. It’s been tough, so—”
Customer’s Mother: *Interrupting and pushy* “Yes, yes, it must be tough being you. Ring us up, please. We’re busy.”
Cashier: “Of… of course, ma’am.”
Customer: “Mom! There’s no need to be so rude!”
Customer’s Mother: “We found your dress for the rehearsal dinner, but we still need to get you measured for the bridesmaid’s dress! There’s so much to do, and we haven’t the time for chit-chat!”
The customer’s mother then looks down at the cashier.
Customer’s Mother: “Not that this one would understand. Not like anyone’s marrying her.”
The cashier stops dead in her tracks, slowly puts the clothing down, stands up, and runs out to the back.
Customer: “Mom! She heard you! The whole store heard you!”
Customer’s Mother: “Well, maybe it’s good that she hears it. Tough love worked on you, and now you’re—”
Customer: “Shut up! She is my friend, and her husband died last year! You just insulted a widow!”
Customer’s Mother: “How was I supposed to know?”
Customer: “Exactly, Mom! You don’t! So shut your mouth! That’s it. I’m done shopping with you! Don’t be surprised if you’re no longer welcome to the wedding!”
The daughter stormed out, leaving behind the clothes. The mother looked about aimlessly for a moment and then just kind of… vaguely sauntered out.
I checked in on the cashier, and I found out later that she’d quit. She came back to work thinking she could handle retail and bereavement, but customers are just too spiteful for that. I wish her the best.
I also hope that mother didn’t get anywhere near that wedding!
