What A Dirty Business

There is a hunched, hobbling old lady who stands outside the laundromat every day. Every time someone stops at the red light, she approaches the car, pointing back at the laundromat. I’ve seen many people give her change and more give her bills.

I found it odd that she was washing her clothes every day, so I pulled over.

Lady: “Hi, sweetheart. Do you have a quarter? I’m just short for my laundry this week.”

Me: “No problem. Where is your laundry?”

Lady: “In the washer.”

Me: “Okay, I’ll cover it. Which one?”

I walked toward the laundromat, but she stopped me. 

Lady: “Oh, honey, I don’t want to be a bother. Just a quarter will be fine.”

Me: “No, it’s okay. Which one?”

Lady: “Just a quarter will be fine.”

Me: “I can’t do that. If you need help, I’ll help.”

Lady: *Getting annoyed* “Please just a quarter.”

Me: “I wouldn’t feel right just—”

Lady: “Oh, f*** off!”

She stomped away, no longer hunched or hobbling. I walked into the laundromat and saw that the washers were completely empty. I don’t know what she was using the money, for but it obviously wasn’t laundry!